VIENNA - Multimodality developer Philips Medical Systems of Andover, MA, unveiled a new PET/CT and a new ultrasound system at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) this week.
The Gemini TF PET/CT system uses gamma ray time measurements to deliver an increase in image quality and consistency, according to the firm. The device is said to raise effective image sensitivity by more than two times over conventional PET, and can conduct image acquisition of patients of any body size in less than 10 minutes for a whole-body PET scan, the company said.
The device utilizes a lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO) scintillator crystal, curved photomultipliers, and Philips' proprietary TruFlight technology, which uses the time difference -- in pico seconds (10-12 seconds) -- between the detection of coincident events to more accurately identify the origin of the annihilation.
Consistent with all Gemini PET/CT systems, the Gemini TF also features Philips' OpenView gantry design, which allows for easier administration of radiopharmaceuticals for myocardial perfusion studies, patient monitoring equipment leads, and patient comfort, according to the company.
The system received its 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in November 2005, and is scheduled for release in the second quarter this year. Company representatives said that Gemini TF will be available in 16- and 64-slice CT models and will be priced from $2.7 million to $3.4 million, depending on configuration.
Philips expects to sell approximately 40 Gemini TF systems worldwide in 2006, representatives said.
The firm also demonstrated its iU22 ultrasound system, which features new upgrades and enhancements including improved cardiology capabilities and detailed 3D and 4D fetal imaging. The iU22 utilizes the firm's new L9-3 transducer with xMatrix technology and its QLab quantification software.
Ergonomic factors have been incorporated into all areas of the product's design, allowing for a fully pivoting and extensible viewing screen, as well as voice controls that accept 2,200 individual commands in five languages: English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian. The voice capabilities take approximately five minutes of training to accept a new user's voice pattern, according to company representatives.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 6, 2006
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