Multislice technology has provided a breath of fresh air to the CT market, giving the modality a new edge against other imaging technologies. At this year's RSNA show, look for CT vendors to demonstrate the wide range of clinical applications that are improved by multislice scanning, such as cardiac imaging, interventional techniques, and CT screening.
CT manufacturers will also demonstrate that multislice scanning isn't just for premium customers anymore. Several vendors are rolling out mid-range scanners that use the technology, and it seems likely that multislice scanning will eventually replace single-slice imaging, much like spiral scanning replaced axial technology in the 1990s.
Imatron
Moving to expand from its core cardiac imaging market, Imatron will discuss the use of its electron-beam CT technology for angiography applications, according to Charles Pattie, marketing communications manager for the South San Francisco, CA, company. Imatron believes that EBA is superior to CT angio conducted by mechanical scanners because it doesn't require the insertion of a contrast catheter, as does CTA.
The company will also highlight low-dose lung screening with its EBT technology. Imatron believes that its EBT scanners are uniquely suited for lung screening because their fast acquisition speeds reduce the impact of artifacts caused by heart motion on the lungs, Pattie said.
Finally, Imatron will show off the first mobile version of its EBT scanner in a poster display, according to Pattie. The first mobile EBT unit has gone into service in a Calumet coach in Oregon; the second scanner is built and is waiting to go into service.
GE Medical Systems
A new version of GE's multislice LightSpeed platform will be featured in the Waukesha, WI, company's booth. The new system, LightSpeed Plus, adds new features and performance not found on the LightSpeed QX/I scanner, which was introduced two years ago.
LightSpeed Plus gives users more control over scanning speed, enabling operators to adjust speeds in 0.1-second increments. The increased versatility will have important applications in CT cardiac imaging by making it easier to match the system's scanning speed to the patient's cardiac rhythm, according to Bill Radaj, Americas marketing manager for CT.
LightSpeed Plus also includes ergonomic improvements, such as scanner controls on both sides of the gantry and a breath-hold timer and lights. GE also improved the system's x-ray tube by increasing its bearing width, enabling it to handle higher tube loads.
CT cardiac scanning is winning increased attention, and GE plans to showcase its latest advances in the area. The company has made improvements to its SmartScore coronary artery calcification scoring package, Radaj said, as well as its Snapshot Sequence technique for coronary artery imaging. Snapshot is a fast-acquisition technique that enables users to image the heart during its dyastolic phase, and collect data from several cycles of the heart in order to produce a better image. Snapshot will be displayed as a work in progress, with FDA clearance expected sometime around the RSNA meeting.
GE will also discuss CT screening, another hot topic. The company will show its latest work in lung nodule assessment, and is also developing scanning protocols for colonography and urography.
In other product lines, GE is adding multislice capability to the mid-range HiSpeed line with the HiSpeed NX/I system, which is being shown in the U.S. for the first time.
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