The ERCP procedure is utilized in pancreaticobiliary duct biopsies in order to examine in detail pathological changes in pancreatic cancer and other diseases, and for treatments such as the removal of gallstones. In the ERCP procedure, an endoscope is introduced through the mouth and into the duodenum. Contrast radiography is then performed for the biliary system and pancreatic ducts directly from a narrow tube (catheter) attached to the tip of the endoscope. In this procedure, the fluoroscopic functionality of an R/F X-ray system is utilized to confirm the position of the catheter and the status of the contrast radiography. Such techniques require high-quality fluoroscopic images. However, these examinations sometimes take considerable time, so there is a need to reduce the radiation dose to which patients and health care providers are exposed.
To this end, Shimadzu has developed new digital filter processing technology for the SONIALVISION G4, our leading R/F imaging system. This technology uses high-speed computational processing to reduce image noise and lag, even at low radiation dose rates. It significantly reduces X-ray dose while maintaining excellent X-ray image quality and real-time performance required in endoscopic examinations. Our next goal is to apply this low-exposure image processing technology to the examination of nonvascular systems, not just to endoscopic examinations.