FDA clears GE HealthCare's next generation photon-counting CT system
GE HealthCare’s next-generation photon-counting computed tomography system has just been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Photonova Spectra system is powered by the company’s novel Deep Silicon detector technology. Silicon is a high-performing semiconductor material that enables precise photon energy measurements and paves the way for high levels of energy resolution, which is an integral aspect of advanced image reconstruction.
The system’s platform can be configured to accommodate a range of clinical needs, while its spatial and spectral imaging capabilities offer improved visualization of tissues in ultra-high definition. What’s more, its eight-bin energy resolution enables advanced material separation and characterization, allowing radiologists to distinguish between materials such as iodine, calcium and fat with ease.
“As clinicians across the United States face rising volumes and increasing diagnostic complexity, technology must do more than capture images; it must simplify decision-making and strengthen performance across the enterprise,” Catherine Estrampes, president and CEO, U.S. and Canada, GE HealthCare, said in a statement. “Photonova Spectra is designed to deliver rich clinical insights in every scan and help alleviate cognitive burden for care teams."
The system was designed to fit into existing scanner rooms with minimal adjustments. Its architecture is similar to that of current GEHC platforms, making installation less burdensome.
“Photonova Spectra reflects years of intentional design and close collaboration with clinicians, researchers and collaborators across the globe,” added Jean-Luc Procaccini, GEHC's president and CEO of molecular imaging and CT. “The result is a photon-counting platform engineered for the needs of today’s care teams, as well as the imaging challenges and research opportunities that will shape the future of CT," he added later.
The system is not yet commercially available as of March 23 but is expected to be soon, GEHC added.
Learn more about the system here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.