CT System Reconstructs Breast Specimens Digitally

A computerized tomography (CT) specimen imaging system provides detailed margin assessment by reconstructing a navigable three-dimensional (3D) render in real time.

The Faxitron Bioptics (Tucson, AZ, USA) VisionCT system is a fully automated 3D specimen cabinet system equipped with a motorized, 360-degree rotating platform that can capture up to six high-resolution images per second. The system reconstructs breast specimens in up to 1,024 slices at a standard slice thickness of 100 micron, allowing for complete and detailed radiographic assessment of margin status, in addition to immediate traditional orthogonal images. Users can review orthogonal images as the specimen is being scanned and reconstructed in real time, with automated magnification allowing for optimal resolution of any specimen size up to 11 cm in diameter.

The system is turn-key and fully automated, with no additional x-ray shielding, specialized knowledge, or manual specimen repositioning required; the specimen is simply positioned in disposable holder, placed in a container in the chamber, and scanned. Fast, versatile imaging allows for presentation of both 2D and orthogonal images in less than 30 seconds, with full 3D reconstruction of the whole specimen in less than four minutes, including automatic metal artifact correction to minimize interference. DICOM images are automatically stored to PACS and saved to local or network drive, with images instantaneously displayed on the 24" high-resolution monitor.

“As imaging innovations in breast screening continue to drive earlier detection of abnormalities in breast tissue, there is a parallel need for ongoing improvements in methods for assessing and confirming specimen margin status during surgery,” said Donogh O’Driscoll, CFO and COO of Faxitron Bioptics. “VisionCT gives providers a clearer, more detailed view of breast specimen margin status than ever before. We’ve spent decades pioneering new technologies that contribute to a higher standard of care for patients and are proud that legacy continues as we introduce VisionCT to the market.”

Planar specimen radiography is the current standard of care in intraoperative margin assessment. This requires the surgeon and radiologist to attempt to visualize microcalcifications or lesion in 3D space by viewing images individually, but in relation to one another. The challenge is that both collecting and visualizing the images are manual processes, and therefore may not always be standard practice.