D-SPECT Cardiac Imaging Technology Developed Using New Nuclear Imaging Modules

An integrated cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) nuclear-imaging detector has been designed to enable a new generation of high-resolution, low-dose nuclear-medicine cameras.

Spectrum Dynamics (Orangeburg, NY, USA) has shipped and installed the second D-SPECT (single photon emission tomography) system using CZT nuclear imaging modules from a new supplier, Redlen Technologies, Inc. (Victoria, BC, Canada).

"This is a very important milestone for Spectrum," said Jim Haisler, CEO of Spectrum Dynamics. Having a new supplier of CZT imaging detectors in the industry is critical, as it will allow us to ramp up the distribution of D-SPECT systems worldwide. Spectrum and Redlen are currently in the process of completing a long-term supply agreement. Our success with Redlen is due to the close working relationship both engineering teams had during the development and integration of the new CZT imaging modules and our codevelopment of the detector electronics."

"The opportunity for our team to work closely with the nuclear imaging industry's leading innovator was a huge benefit for us to ensure our first CZT imaging module product hit the mark," said Glenn Bindley, president and CEO of Redlen. "We believe the D-SPECT cardiology camera is just the first step in the industry's transition from legacy scintillation imaging to high-resolution, low-dose direct conversion, solid-state imaging. We anticipate our continued close collaboration with Spectrum on imaging module development to drive new industry performance benchmarks."

"The unique D-SPECT design incorporates nine rotating columns of CZT detectors that are able to focus on specific anatomical points in the body, thereby improving the signal-to-noise-ratio. This also eliminates the need to rotate the gantry or the patient to sample the organ of interest, thus improving patient comfort, reducing claustrophobia and patient motion problems," said Josh Gurewitz, vice president of sales and marketing of Spectrum Dynamics. "The D-SPECT is the only dedicated cardiac camera that allows flexible patient imaging--upright, supine, or anything in between to improve patient comfort and decrease patient anxiety."

Solid-state CZT-based detectors combined with advanced new reconstruction algorithms provide the foundation for rapid imaging, new clinical applications not possible with traditional sodium iodide-based detectors, dramatic reductions in radiation dose to the patient and significant improvements in image quality. The new Redlen M1762 nuclear imaging module provides a 40-mm x 40-mm CZT imaging array with 256 pixels. The module provides direct digital readout and averages less than 6.0% energy resolution for technetium (Tc)-99-based imaging. The M1762 module provides a vital building block to enable a new generation of direct conversion low dose, high-resolution nuclear-imaging cameras.

Spectrum Dynamics, with offices in New York, California, and research and development facilities in Caesarea, Israel, is a medical device company focused on personalized molecular imaging and applications.

Redlen Technologies is a manufacturer of high-resolution CZT semiconductor radiation detectors that are enabling a new generation of high-performance detection and imaging equipment including nuclear cardiology, CT scanners, baggage scanners, and dirty bomb detection.

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Spectrum Dynamics
Redlen Technologies