Rapid Cardiac SPECT/VCT Imager Significantly Reduces Artifacts

A new rapid cardiac single-photon emission computed tomography/volume-computed tomography (SPECT/VCT) imaging system features a low-dose volume-computed tomography attenuation correction system that significantly reduces artifacts in the images caused by overlying tissues increasing interpretive ease and accuracy.

Digirad Corp. (Poway, CA, USA), a provider of medical diagnostic imaging products and personnel and equipment leasing services, has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enabling the company to market and manufacture its Cardius X-ACT imaging system. The innovative X-ACT approach takes advantage of the full 61-cm wide detector array eliminating truncation and generating high-precision transmission maps improving the overall quality of SPECT studies.

The X-ACT attenuation correction system offers high accuracy, fast acquisition, low dose (5 uSv/study), and excellent reliability. The system's high-speed triple-head solid-state design combined with nSPEED software allows the combined cardiac SPECT emission and transmission acquisitions to be performed in as little as five minutes. The Cardius X-ACT system increases diagnostic confidence in nuclear cardiology and raises the standard in the industry for overall SPECT system performance.

Digirad is working with a number of top centers in nuclear cardiology, including the Biomedical Institute in Los Angeles (CA, USA), Jefferson Heart Institute (Philadelphia, PA, USA), and the University Cardiovascular Medical Group of the university of California, Los Angeles (UCLA; USA). Results of an extensive multicenter evaluation of the X-ACT technology will be presented during upcoming medical conferences.

Digirad CEO Todd P. Clyde stated, "The X-ACT system is an important step forward in our strategy to drive the evolution of nuclear cardiac imaging by introducing a series of advanced solid-state cameras that are distinguished by their ability to increase diagnostic accuracy; make earlier detection of disease possible; or by providing new clinical information that raises sensitivity or specificity of nuclear cardiology procedures. We believe that innovations from our technology group will enable us to expand our market share in the hospital and large practice segments. The X-ACT system is a great example of this initiative as it can provide cutting-edge VCT technology to a broader range of practices and facilities, allowing higher patient throughput and a better level of care at comparable pricing to less accurate technologies."

Digirad markets medical diagnostic imaging systems and personnel and equipment leasing services for cardiac, vascular, and general imaging applications. Digirad's Cardius XPO line of nuclear imaging cameras use patented solid-state technology for excellent performance resulting in sharp digital images, fast processing, compact size, light weight for portability and ability to handle patients up to 227 kg; Digirad's installed base of equipment exceeds 600 systems. Digirad also performs leasing services with its portable fleet of more than 145 nuclear and ultrasound imaging systems in 21 states.

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