‘Game-changing’ medical imaging scanner in SA
New medical imaging technology allowing clinicians to see inside coronary arteries and better probe cancer cells has been unveiled in Adelaide.
The new scanner has been installed in the SA Medical and Health Research Institute, left, on North Terrace.
Australia’s first whole-body photon-counting computed tomography machine has been installed at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
The institute’s head of imaging, Andrew Dwyer, says it represents the biggest advance in CT imaging technology for 20 years.
“The scanner is game-changing for medical research and new models of patient care,” Dwyer said.
“Already we know that this technology, for the first time, can visualise inside coronary artery plaques and identify people who are at risk of heart attack.
“We also know it can probe cancer cells like never before.”
The new system has the potential to overcome the limitations of current CT detectors in use across Australia by providing data at very high resolution with lower doses of radiation.
Dwyer said the technology would allow the industry to “rethink what we see as standard”.
“Photon-counting CT is the equivalent of going from regular TV to HD and black-and-white to colour all in one step,” he said.
“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.”
Cardiologist Johan Verjans said the scanner would allow for small structures to be visualised in greater detail.
“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,” he said.
The new technology, brought to SA through a partnership between the institute and Jones Radiology, will also provide ongoing research opportunities.
The SA government provided a $1 milllion grant towards the purchase of the new scanner.
Deputy Premier Susan Close said it would ensure SAHMRI remained at the forefront of medical research.
“Technology is progressing rapidly, especially medical technology, and this investment now will pay dividends in the years ahead,” she said.
-AAP
