Energy-buffered x-ray generator technology – Pushing the boundaries toward the next generation of digital mobile x-rays

Origins of the mobile x-ray for radiography
It was during the World War I, the first mobile x-ray units were introduced. Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize winning scientist, who had pioneered research in radioactive materials, recognized the critical need for medical diagnostics on the battlefield. She revolutionized military medical care by conceiving the idea for the first mobile x-ray with her radiologic car called Little Curie. It was essentially an x-ray unit along with photographic darkroom equipment housed in a car. This innovative solution offered real-time diagnoses on the front lines of World War I, saving numerous lives.

Benefits of mobile x-rays
Ever since, mobile x-ray technology has transformed dramatically, prioritizing safety, image clarity, and easy accessibility for both patients and medical professionals. Mobile x-rays bring imaging directly to the patient, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the radiology department. This is particularly beneficial for bedridden patients, critically ill individuals, and those in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities. This evolution has significantly reshaped the field of medical diagnosis and treatment.

Limitations of traditional mobile x-rays
Though mobile x-rays have numerous aforementioned advantages, they have their set of limitations. Unlike fixed x-ray machines, traditional mobile x-rays are not powerful enough to deliver sharp, high-quality images. Images from mobile x-rays tend to be grainy, less accurate, and harder to diagnose compared to those of fixed x-rays, thus compromising image quality.

Other major concerns with traditional mobile units are often the results of bulk size and weight, making them tough to navigate around confined spaces, which is highly crucial in critical care settings. Limited positioning flexibility can compromise imaging angles, further weakening diagnostic accuracy, hence limiting maneuverability overall.

Similarly, shorter exposure times, desirable for patient safety and well-being, are mostly unavailable with traditional mobile x-rays. These traditional mobile x-ray units demand longer exposure time and higher dosage for better imaging diagnosis, increasing the radiation dose absorbed by the patient and raising concerns about long-term health risks.

In addition, heavy traditional x-ray machine demands higher electrical consumption, limiting their deployment in locations with inadequate power infrastructure. This can hinder accessibility, especially in power-constrained settings where mobile x-rays could be lifesaving.

Modern mobile x-rays
Fortunately, advances in science and technology are addressing these limitations. Modern mobile machines leverage engineering innovations and digital imaging techniques, producing clearer images with intricate details, allowing doctors to pinpoint abnormalities with greater accuracy, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses. Innovations, such as high-frequency inverter technology, have resulted in mobile x-ray machines that are smaller and more powerful than the traditional designs. Even then, the limitations of power drawn from mains indirectly limits the x-ray power, and hence the quality of images. Additional battery banks solve this problem to some extent, albeit increasing the bulk of the equipment.

PEB technology – The next generation of digital mobile x-rays
The PEB (pulse energy bank) technology is the latest innovation. It uses pulse power-processing techniques developed for scientific research. Pulse charging-discharging techniques and advanced energy-storage mechanisms, optimize the conversion of input power to output x-ray power. In the context of a mobile x-ray machine delivering 8 kW of output power, the input power requirement is only 2 kW. The PEB technology demonstrates advantages, such as operation from standard power outlets, immunity to line drops, and the ability to operate the machine from a small back-up generator or home inverter. For the user, this means a powerful 8kW x-ray can be used from any wall outlet without worrying about installed power capacity or disturbance to other equipment. The PEB technology also makes the machine smaller and lower in weight.

PEB technology in India
PEB technology is pioneered in India by ALERIO X-Rays. The ALERIO Smart 8000 DX mobile x-ray model is the first-of-its-kind design, enabled with PEB technology. This product is designed and developed in India, using technology developed in research labs and in collaboration with leading technology commercialization institutes. The product is safety-certified, and type-approved and comes with the well-known ALERIO after-sales support and warranty.

The way forward
Mobile x-ray technology has undergone a significant evolution, supported by pioneering innovations and the ongoing quest for enhancing imaging efficiency. It is expected that in the near future, mobile x-rays as powerful and useful as fixed x-rays would be available. It will no longer be necessary to plan for expensive electrical wiring and set-ups for the x-ray rooms. Powerful x-ray machines will be available that operate from small battery banks and are compact in size. As technology continues to evolve, the union of power efficiency, compact design, and superior imaging shapes the landscape of medical diagnostics and patient care.