Carestream Health said its Vita Flex computed radiography (CR) system has been installed at Kunde Hospital in Nepal, just over 15 miles from Mount Everest base camp.
Distributor Capital Enterprises transported and delivered the CR system, which will be used to diagnose diseases and injuries in local residents, climbers, sherpas, and others who work at base camp, according to the vendor. It will be used to take x-ray images of shoulders and extremities that have been injured as well as the head and neck area to diagnose sprains or concussions. The system will also be used for chest exams, which could indicate that a patient has pneumonia, altitude sickness, or evidence of a heart attack or other serious medical condition, Carestream said.
The system was initially transported by plane to Lukla, Nepal, which is considered one of the world's deadliest airports due to its high elevation and unforgiving terrain, Carestream said. Porters then carried the x-ray device on their backs for more than 18 miles to the hospital, according to the firm.
