New GE Cardiac Scanners Hit the Hospitals

GE’s Revolutionary Cardiac Imaging Scanners Installed At Major Hospitals; GE Healthcare Breakthrough SPECT Technology Is Biggest Change In 40 Years

10 June 2009 -- WAUKESHA, Wis. -- GE Healthcare today announced the installation of four revolutionary cardiac imaging scanners that could help pave the way for quicker, clearer and lower-dose scans for cardiac patients around the world. The breakthrough technology represents the most significant upgrade to SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) in 40 years and can reduce exposure to radiation, enhance image quality and dramatically shorten scan times.

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“The impact of this technology could be considered a 'revolution' in cardiac imaging,” said Dr. Alessia Gimelli, Cardiologist and Nuclear Medicine Specialist at Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, CNR, of Pisa, Italy.

Driven by GE’s exclusive Alcyone technology, Discovery NM 530c empowers improved workflow, dose management, and enhanced overall image quality. Traditionally, a cardiac scan requires patients to raise their hands above their heads for two cycles of 15 to 20 minutes. Because the Discovery NM 530c is so sensitive and is able to gather image data much more quickly, scan times can now be as short as 3 minutes. Since next-generation Alcyone technology is positioned to view cardiac anatomy and pathology with greater clarity and speed, patients spend less time in the exam and doctors get the information they need to determine course of treatment more quickly - reducing guesswork.

Early reports indicate GE Healthcare’s Discovery NM 530c offers marked improvements in care for the estimated nine million patients scanned on nuclear cardiac devices annually.

“There is huge potential for improved efficiency, image quality and patient care,” said Dr. Milena Henzlova, Director of Nuclear Cardiology, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City. “After 40 years of ‘Anger’ camera technology, it is exciting to be part of a new chapter in this field.”

“Just weeks after launching our Discovery NM 530c system, we’ve seen the enthusiasm spread through the global nuclear cardiology community,” said Terri Bresenham, Vice President and General Manager of GE Healthcare’s Molecular Imaging business. “We are committed to developing technologies that will excite the industry and advance the future of molecular imaging.”

This announcement comes soon after the launch of GE’s healthymagination campaign, aimed at helping create sustainable global healthcare systems by introducing products and solutions that reduce costs, increase access and improve the quality of patient care.

“Discovery NM 530c is a perfect fit,” said Bresenham. “Alcyone-driven imaging is already affecting patient care while faster scan times will lead to an increase in workflow efficiency. This is a significant development and we can’t wait to see the full extent of its impact.”

The scanners have been installed at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, University Hospital in Zurich and Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, CNR, in Pisa, Italy.

Source: GE