A new, revolutionary medical imaging machine has been unveiled today at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), which marks the biggest advancement in CT technology in 20 years.
The Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) machine is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, let alone Australia, and will enable doctors to capture the highest quality scans ever taken before.
While CT machines usually capture relatively blurry black and white imagery, the PCCT can scan patients in full colour and high definition. It can also identify people at risk of heart attack and examine cancer cells in much greater detail than existing technology can.
The PCCT is the product of a collaboration between Siemens Healthineers (the medical device company that developed the equipment), Jones Radiology, and SAHMRI. The SA Government also contributed almost $1 million to purchase the equipment.
A team of specialist engineers and computer technicians spent three months preparing for and installing the machine – a machine which represents almost two decades of development by Siemens Healthineers.
If a patient needs a scan such as a heart or brain scan, this new technology can provide a more informed picture of the patient’s condition, without the need to resort to invasive procedures.
SAHMRI Artificial Intelligence Group Leader & Jones Radiology Cardiologist, Dr Johan Verjans, says the scanner shows detail like they’ve “never seen before”.
“The scanner enables us to see small structures in greater detail like we’ve never seen before and get around common issues of CT such as calcifications, or stents that “glow” too much and obstruct the view into an artery,” says Dr Verjans.
“We can now take an image of the heart, in one heartbeat, with ultra-high resolution which is extremely helpful for older patients with complications, calcifications and stents so we can see smaller vessels and those usually in doubt to determine the stage of the disease to guide treatment.”
In addition to being less invasive, Partner Radiologist of Jones Radiology and Head of Imaging at SAHMRI, Dr Andrew Dwyer, also says the scanner exposes patients to less radiation.
“Today’s unveiling represents the first major development in CT imaging in decades and transforms the entire medical imaging industry, enabling us to rethink what we see as standard,” says Dr Dwyer.
“Photon counting CT is the equivalent of going from regular TV to HD and black-and-white to colour all in one step.
“This revolution in technology will benefit patients through earlier diagnoses and reducing radiation dose by up to 45 per cent when compared to existing scanners.”
SAHMRI Executive Director, Professor Steve Wesselingh, says that it is a “big win” South Australia gets to spearhead this live-saving technology, given its ability to fast-track the “detect, diagnose, and treat” process.
“Once again SAHMRI, with the crucial support of our government and industry partners, is able to deliver the absolute cutting edge of medical technology for South Australia,” says Professor Wesselingh.
“This benefits those in need right now but also indelibly changes the research landscape, promising even greater health advancements in the future.”
Earlier diagnoses also have the added bonus of avoiding additional testing (and further radiation exposure). One hundred patients have already used the scanner, and it is hoped dozens of patients will be available to utilise this equipment daily.
Overall, the PCCT cements South Australia as a leader in medical imaging and one of Australia’s leaders in medical health research.
To learn more about the Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) machine, visit the Siemens Healthineers Australia website.
For SAHMRI’s latest news, click here.
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