Whole Body PET/CT System Provides Modality Integration

A new imaging system represents the evolution of integration in imaging; a computed tomography (CT) system with molecular capabilities, a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner with unlimited capabilities in CT, and an integrated imager that can be used to achieve true collaboration and cooperation between diagnostic imaging specialties.

Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) has developed the molecular Biograph mCT; a new concept in integrated imaging that provides an imaging platform that is a practical system for today's shrinking healthcare budget. "As the inventor of positron emission tomography/computed tomography [PET/CT], Siemens wants to lead the evolution of hybrid imaging to maximize innovations and make them available where they will have the most impact,” said Dr. Bernd Montag, CEO, Siemens Healthcare, Imaging and IT (information technology) Division, Erlangen, Germany. "With Biograph mCT, we've taken the best Siemens has to offer in CT and enabled the introduction of ‘smart' contrast--molecular contrast--using the most advanced PET technology available,” Dr. Montag added, at the Siemens Forum in Munich, where the new system was first shown to a select group of customers from around the world.

Biograph mCT is a suitable system for an integrated imaging environment. It was designed to obtain functional, anatomic, and molecular information from one, noninvasive diagnostic exam, and adapts to virtually any patient and any clinical need with high resolution, contrast, and speed. The clinician has the option of using an extremely high-resolution CT in conjunction with high-definition PET technology or as a standalone CT. Depending on the case; molecular contrast can be used for additional metabolic information. Biograph mCT offers whole-body PET/CT scanning in just five minutes, an innovative feature that optimizes flexibility and efficiency. From an investment standpoint, using one all-encompassing scanner is a highly efficient means of making the most of an institution's imaging equipment and strengthening the existing workflows between radiology and molecular imaging.

"Biograph mCT is the quintessential definition of efficiency; one team, one room, one machine, and one comfortable patient,” said Dr. Montag. "It offers the potential of diagnosing disease earlier,and more effective management of disease at reduced costs. Speaking directly to the bottom line, with Biograph mCT, an institution may only need to purchase one imager instead of two, representing a huge cost-savings potential in a time when healthcare budgets are tight.”

The consolidation of equipment, staff, and scan times can enable major cost savings, return on investment and excellence in patient care, as well as patient and staff satisfaction when innovation and integration work in tandem. With a small footprint, large bore, a short tunnel and an extra-wide, 227-kg-capacity bed, Biograph mCT is designed to accommodate all types of patients--including pediatric, bariatric, and geriatric--comfortably and easily. The ability to complete studies in less time can reduce patients' anxiety. The system's large 78 cm bore can also help to alleviate patients' sense of claustrophobia and allows better positioning of radiotherapy planning (RTP) devices, such as breast boards, and makes scanning of obese patients easier.

Biograph mCT adapts to virtually all patient types and clinical needs. Its excellent isotropic CT resolution, combined with its industry-leading rotation time, brings out the finest anatomic details in every scan, routine and advanced, limiting motion artifacts. It is available in detector configurations of 40-, 64-, and 128-slices, a first in integrated scanners. Biograph mCT's powerful HD•PET technology provides highly detailed images with up to four times as much contrast. Its PET technology offers 2 mm uniform resolution throughout the field of view (FOV). Biograph mCT also addresses two of the foremost concerns related to scanning: scan time and radiation dose. With its ultra-low dose capability and super-fast PET acquisition time, scanning can be less stressful for the clinician and the patient.

"The ability to provide a high-quality imaging environment for patients that is accommodating, comfortable, and reliable plays a key role in the success of a healthcare provider,” said Dr. Montag. "The investment made in imaging equipment, such as this, will provide clinicians the information necessary to best diagnose and treat patients.”

With Biograph mCT, a single room can be transformed into a fast, dual-modality scanning facility, where both CT and PET can be operated in one room with one staff, one schedule, and if required, one comprehensive exam. As a result, space, time, and costs that would be required to implement such high-end systems separately can be reduced, while maximizing dual-modality utilization.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare brings together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services.

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