RSNA: GE unveils molecular imaging applications, additions
GE Healthcare introduced improvements across the Discovery PET/CT 600 series portfolio at the 2009 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago last week. The company announced dual-detector capabilities and an enhanced application suite for the Discovery PET/CT 600 series scanners, as well as launched Discovery PET/CT 690 with BrightSpeed Elite CT.
With the BrightSpeed Elite CT, GE offers the choice of detectors within the product series. A Discovery PET/CT 600 system can be configured with a Discovery PET/CT 690 detector. The Discovery PET/CT 600 series platform features VUE Point HD reconstruction, MotionFree imaging and a reconstruction engine.
GE introduced Insite OnWatch for PET, a solution that moves service from the problem detection to problem prediction model. The new technology uses data-driven prediction tools to monitor Discovery PET/CT 600 series systems and identify impending maintenance needs, allowing customers to schedule proactive repair.
At RSNA 2009, the company also tackled the challenge of maintaining an efficient PET/CT reconstruction with improvements to IBM Blade Center. The reconfigured technology makes VUE Point FX reconstruction two times faster. The patient scan can be reviewed while the patient is still on the table, according to GE. Finally, a two-meter scan option allows clinicians to complete a head-to-toe exam in one scan.
Also, GE showed the application of an iterative reconstruction process to PET/CT images, providing improved image clarity and diagnostic confidence on a single platform. The Discovery PET/CT 690 with the LightSpeed VCT technique of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) results in a reduction of CT dose by up to 40 percent and improves low contrast detectability by 30 percent.
GE also announced SharpIR, a sophisticated iterative reconstruction enhancement to VUE Point HD and VUE Point FX, across the entire Discovery PET/CT 600 series platform. Through system modeling, SharpIR enhances visual contrast and resolution in both whole-body and brain PET images. With the convergence of ASIR and SharpIR capabilities on one integrated PET/CT platform.
Finally, GE highlighted MotionFree imaging technologies, which are incorporated on Discovery PET/CT 600 systems. This capability allows clinicians and researchers to align PET and CT gated images to compensate for movement in all regions of the body, and those regions subject to respiratory motion. Combined with VUE Point HD or VUE Point FX reconstruction, the company said that these technologies have the potential to improve small lesion detection, image quality and better therapy response monitoring.
“We have a advantage to combine advanced molecular imaging tools with the latest CT technology,” said Steve Kohlmyer, GE’s PET/CT research manager. “The result is a suite of applications and innovations for our customers to understand disease from the beginning.”
With the BrightSpeed Elite CT, GE offers the choice of detectors within the product series. A Discovery PET/CT 600 system can be configured with a Discovery PET/CT 690 detector. The Discovery PET/CT 600 series platform features VUE Point HD reconstruction, MotionFree imaging and a reconstruction engine.
GE introduced Insite OnWatch for PET, a solution that moves service from the problem detection to problem prediction model. The new technology uses data-driven prediction tools to monitor Discovery PET/CT 600 series systems and identify impending maintenance needs, allowing customers to schedule proactive repair.
At RSNA 2009, the company also tackled the challenge of maintaining an efficient PET/CT reconstruction with improvements to IBM Blade Center. The reconfigured technology makes VUE Point FX reconstruction two times faster. The patient scan can be reviewed while the patient is still on the table, according to GE. Finally, a two-meter scan option allows clinicians to complete a head-to-toe exam in one scan.
Also, GE showed the application of an iterative reconstruction process to PET/CT images, providing improved image clarity and diagnostic confidence on a single platform. The Discovery PET/CT 690 with the LightSpeed VCT technique of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) results in a reduction of CT dose by up to 40 percent and improves low contrast detectability by 30 percent.
GE also announced SharpIR, a sophisticated iterative reconstruction enhancement to VUE Point HD and VUE Point FX, across the entire Discovery PET/CT 600 series platform. Through system modeling, SharpIR enhances visual contrast and resolution in both whole-body and brain PET images. With the convergence of ASIR and SharpIR capabilities on one integrated PET/CT platform.
Finally, GE highlighted MotionFree imaging technologies, which are incorporated on Discovery PET/CT 600 systems. This capability allows clinicians and researchers to align PET and CT gated images to compensate for movement in all regions of the body, and those regions subject to respiratory motion. Combined with VUE Point HD or VUE Point FX reconstruction, the company said that these technologies have the potential to improve small lesion detection, image quality and better therapy response monitoring.
“We have a advantage to combine advanced molecular imaging tools with the latest CT technology,” said Steve Kohlmyer, GE’s PET/CT research manager. “The result is a suite of applications and innovations for our customers to understand disease from the beginning.”