[Recent modifications to remotely controlled tables employed in radiological diagnosis (author's transl)]

Remotely controlled tables are still largely employed as diagnostic tools, but they have not evolved during the recent past when compared with computed tomography or ultrasonography. The most recent attempts at improvement have been the introduction of complex stands capable of numerous integrated movements, but very heavy and costly, and integrated development systems for the films. Current technological possibilities should permit very much greater progress. New high definition wide field amplifiers associated with high performance TV could suppress the directly exposed film and thus the selector. As with other systems employing a video image, a multi-image camera could be used. Acquisition of data in this way, combined with the use of visual treatment of this data, should considerably reduce patient irradiation. The introduction of the microcomputer and the lightening of stands (absence of the selector...) should simplify the obtaining of complex movements. These "revolutions" in the conception of remotely controlled tables are now possible, and all that remains is to evaluate possible improvements in diagnostic value and to assess the various economic implications.