Siemens Healthineers has obtained clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Biograph Vision.X positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanner.
According to the German medtech company, the scanner has a time of flight (TOF) of 178 picoseconds (ps) to enable improved detections of lesions and anatomical detail. The next-generation system advances the established performance of the Biograph Vision range of scanners, said Siemens Healthineers.
Current users of the Biograph Vision can enhance their system by opting for the in-field upgrade to the Biograph Vision.X.
The Optiso Ultra Dynamic Range (UDR) detector technology in the scanner incorporates silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), allowing the utilisation of compact 3.2mm x 3.2mm lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystal elements. These small crystals are said to offer superior spatial resolution compared to larger ones.
By harnessing the minute LSO crystals, completely covered by SiPMs, the Biograph Vision.X achieves a 48mm³ volumetric resolution and a temporal resolution of 178 picoseconds.
This design results in a 20% performance improvement (TOF gain), enhancing patient throughput, reducing radiation exposure, and minimising radiotracer costs, said Siemens Healthineers.
Siemens Healthineers molecular imaging head James Williams said: “The Biograph Vision.X’s record-shattering, ultrafast time of flight delivers an image resolution that allows even the smallest lesions to rise above the noise.
“This extremely high level of resolution can help physicians detect small lesions and provide patients with a precise diagnosis.”
The Biograph Vision.X is equipped with the AIDAN intelligent imaging platform, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and expedite patient workflow.
Said to be built over 700 machine- and deep-learning patents from Siemens Healthineers, the platform has a feature called FlowMotion AI.
This feature, available as an option on the Biograph Vision.X, merges Siemens Healthineers PET/CT scanners’ continuous bed motion with anatomical AI. It helps users to standardise and personalise image acquisitions seamlessly with a single click.
Siemens Healthineers said that the 78cm bore of the scanner provides comfort to apprehensive patients and facilitates the positioning of bariatric patients or radiotherapy devices with ease. This design allows seamless integration into any room equipped with a PET/CT scanner from the Biograph Vision family, said the German healthcare technology company.
