Conrads Corner 2/2025 News in 3D - Ziehm Imaging

News from 3D

Adult HQ

The new setting for 3D image quality perfectly complements the existing options for different body regions. It ensures optimal image quality, especially in anatomically challenging areas like the upper thoracic spine. The challenge here lies in the transition from the narrow neck region to the massive shoulder area, as the penetration of X-rays differs significantly between these two regions. This makes the application a particular challenge for 3D image quality. Apart from other benefits, the new dose level provides the possibility to improve procedures through precision in 3D image quality for these specific challenges.

Ziehm Iterative Reconstruction

With the improvements of the ZIR algorithm (Ziehm Iterative Reconstruction), we strengthen our leading position in 3D image quality. Optimized filter settings make bony structures even more prominent and further reduce disturbing fan and metal artifacts. This results in clear 3D slice views making even the smallest anatomical details visible and allowing for precise delineation of implants. Since metal artifacts may significantly impair image quality – especially in complex cases – their reduction is a central part of the 3D reconstruction algorithm. This step is performed automatically by default with every 3D scan and only takes a few seconds of reconstruction time. ZIR thus contributes significantly to the accuracy and safety of minimally invasive procedures.

Cochlea

The new dose and image quality settings also ensure an even clearer and more precise visualization of the cochlear implant. Higher contrast and clearer structures allow reliable checks of the implant position, leading to optimized outcomes. Tip-fold-over, extracochlear positioning or incomplete insertion can be clearly verified. This precision during the procedure improves the patient's hearing performance and reduces the risk of revision surgeries.

Bronchoscopy

Ziehm Vision RFD 3D is the first mobile C-arm to provide a specially developed package of optimized 3D and 2D anatomical programs for bronchoscopy. These ensure optimal visualization of the fine structures of the lungs in both 2D and 3D. The 3D bronchoscopy APR also makes use of ZIR to further reduce metal artifacts caused by the bronchoscope. By selecting the right or left lung as the body region in 3D, users can access the different trajectory curves. This ensures an optimal and collision-free workflow. Unlike conventional C-arms, this allows laterally located lesions in the lung to be centered in the image section. The improved filter settings and revised autowindowing now display the lung structures in even greater detail and contrast for the user.

Surface Rendering

Surface rendering provides precise intraoperative 3D volume images and provides an additional option for implant and position control, especially in complex maxillofacial surgery. Particularly with very small incisions, as are often desired in maxillofacial surgery, and the use of tiny screws and plates, it is often challenging to reliably assess the exact implant position, such as in the orbital area (bottom of the eye socket). Thanks to intraoperative, high-resolution 3D imaging during surgery, the implant position can be checked immediately. The surface display also allows for reliable assessment of results, such as orbital symmetry, correct repositioning, and the localization of free fragments—from all angles.

This complete package expands the diversity of our C-arms, providing customers with additional tools to meet the challenges of modern intraoperative imaging.