[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]A professional X-ray tube manufacturer XL Co., Ltd. (CEO Raejoon Park) said it has completed developing an X-ray tube and its assembly for mammography in mid-September.

Breast cancer is known to be one of the biggest cause of death in the world for women. However, if found in the early stage, it can be cured completely, therefore early detection and treatment is very important.

Among various breast cancer tests, the X-ray image diagnosis method, or mammography, is the most preferred method. Mammography is the best method to discover breast cancer that cannot be detected with hands.

Methods using MRI and ultrasonic waves are paired with the test as means of assistance.

X-ray tube assembly is the core part in the mammography equipment, and from the technical aspect, it is the factor that decides the domestic mammography equipment’s global competitiveness.

Thus, X-ray tubes and X-ray tube assemblies for mammography manufacturered by big international medical device makers are produced with optimal specifications for their own equipment. With such policy of making uncompatible products, they are sticking to maintaining a brick wall.

Three domestic medical device makers who are manufacturing mammography equipment are importing high-priced X-ray tube and X-ray tube assemblies from overseas.

XL said their recent technology allowed them to decrease the amount of exposure to radiation and at the same time obtain better image.

By improving the X-ray tube and its performance, the company decreased low energy X-ray and X-ray scattering caused by residual gas, which enabled high contrast and resolution. By realizing microsize focusing, the resolution was enhanced and this allowed for more precise diagnosis.

CEO Raejoon Park said, “Currently, absolute quantity of X-ray related equipment such as diagnostic imaging equipment and nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment including X-ray tube for mammography are imported. At this point of time, localization of X-ray tube and X-ray tube assembly for mammography is necessary not only because it allows for substitution of imported goods but also to establish the foundation for securing technical and price competitivess in the global market.”