Iterative Reconstruction Software, Low-Dose Imaging Wide-Bore CT Gantry, and MRI Amplifier Presented at RSNA

A new, wide-bore integrated computed tomography (CT) gantry utilizing a patented noncontact power transfer system, combined with new iterative reconstruction software called LISA (Low dose Imaging Software by Analogic), can generate high-quality images at up to 40% lower radiation dosage.

Analogic Corp. (Peabody, MA, USA), a developer of medical imaging and aviation security technology, presented several new innovative products with a low cost of ownership at the 99th Scientific Assembly and annual meeting of the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA), held December 1-6, 2013, in Chicago (IL, USA).

The company also presented the smallest 20 kW radiofrequency (RF) amplifier, as well as a very high power gradient amplifier designed for wide-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Furthermore, Analogic showed its newest selenium-based detector, which has been redesigned to deliver low-dose, high-quality imaging performance for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) mammography systems.

Finally, the company introduced Quantum Plus Technology across its range of ultrasound platforms, resulting in excellent image quality, usability, and effectiveness for the Ultrasonix and BK line of ultrasound systems. This advanced technology follows Analogic’s acquisition of Ultrasonix in March 2013 and reflects the strong cooperation among the company’s ultrasound design centers in Denmark and Vancouver, and its engineering team in Boston (MA, USA).

“Analogic is dedicated to meeting the demands of the healthcare market, as we have focused our global expertise on technology innovation designed for breakthrough reliability to deliver the lowest cost of ownership,” said Jim Green, president and CEO of Analogic. “We design our products to provide worldwide medical OEMs significant benefits including substantially reduced operating expenses as a result of leveraging our advanced technologies, as well as reduced risk and working capital, enabling them to more efficiently commercialize their products. Our new product offerings not only enhance the availability of quality care in healthcare’s changing environment, they exemplify our steadfast commitment to premium diagnostic quality imaging and lowest cost of ownership for significant improvements in medicine.”

Analogic’s PowerLink technology on its integrated CT gantries transfers power from the stationary gantry to the rotating disc without slip rings and mechanical brush contacts. PowerLink provides improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and significant gantry space savings, while enabling dose reduction.

RF and gradient power amplifiers provide the performance essential for high-quality MRI, with system solutions from 0.3 T permanent magnet systems to 3.0 T multi-channel systems. Analogic’s latest generation RF amplifiers have benchmarked at 150,000 hours mean time to failure, which is up to an equivalent of 75 years of operation.

Analogic develops imaging systems and technology that enable computed tomography, ultrasound, digital mammography, and MRI, as well as automated threat detection for aviation security. The company’s CT, MRI, digital mammography, and ultrasound transducer products are marketed to OEMs, providing advanced capabilities and enabling them to enter new markets and expand their existing market presence. Today, Analogic’s subsystems are used in approximately half of the world’s CT and MRI scanners.

The Quantum Plus Technology for Ultrasonix systems will be available for sale in Q2 2014. The LISA product has not yet been cleared for use in the United States by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Related Links:
Analogic