Canon Medical Systems launched two out of four new computed tomography scanners unveiled by vendors at the Radiological Society of North America 2023 meeting. These are both built using the newly revised Aquilion CT platform and integrated with several artificial intelligence algorithms to improve image quality and simplify scanner workflows.
As imaging exam volumes increase amid rising shortages of technologists and radiologists, Canon said these scanners offer technology to help accommodate the growing number of patients.
"We used artificial intelligence to drive workflow automation, which is one of the key disruptions of both these platforms. And the way we are doing this is with an all new AI interface, which essentially automates the vast majority of the steps that are required on a CT scanner," explained Dhruv Mehta, managing director, CT business unit, Canon Medical Systems, explained just after the unveiling of these systems on the RSNA show floor.
The company's new flagship system, Aquilion One Insight Edition, and the new high-volume Aquilion Serve SP system are aimed at the improving efficiency and image quality, he explained.
Improving CT Imaging with new technology
The Aquilion One Insight Edition marks a significant milestone for Canon, Mehta said, building upon 15 years of development in the wide area CT platform. The new scanner includes a redesigned gantry, delivering extremely fast rotation speed, improved simplicity of operation, and new AI algorithms offer superior imaging quality at low doses. The 640-slice system enables 16 centimeters of anatomical coverage in one rotation, allowing for swift and comprehensive scans of neurological and cardiac concerns.
In tandem, the Aquilion Serve SP is designed as a high-throughput workhorse scanner, incorporating premium innovations from the flagship model into a more accessible platform. With its 160-slice capacity and 4-centimeter coverage, it is being offered to radiology, cardiology and for interventional procedures. Cardiology was one of the key mentions from Canon (and two other vendors with new CT systems at RSNA) because of the rapid growth of coronary CT angiography now that it is included as a front-line imaging recommendation for stable chest pain in the 2021 ACC/AHA chest pain guidelines.
AI helps drive better CT imaging and workflow
Mehta said what sets these systems apart is Canon's strategic integration of artificial intelligence to elevate diagnostic confidence and streamline workflow efficiency. Rather than focusing on sheer volume of AI applications, Canon keyed in on meaningful AI implementations that significantly impact healthcare providers.
"What we are seeing today is care providers are struggling with labor shortages. Rising cost of healthcare is a challenge. These scanners are disruptive to the market, allowing for us to be able to help our customers provide better care, better patient and staff experience, and to be able to provide a better ROI on their investments. So, the AI capabilities in both these scanners are focused around two things: to drive diagnostic confidence through image quality and to drive workflow efficiencies.
Canon's AI tools to improve imaging at lower doses include the AiCE and Precise IQ deep learning image reconstruction algorithms. The systems also include Canon's latest AI for workflow automation called INSTINX, which offers automated patient iso-centering and scan planning to allow technologists to focus on the patient.
AI advancing CT dose management and ultra-high resolution
Canon said its AI reconstruction technology achieves substantial dose reduction of up to 80% compared to traditional image reconstruction methods. The AiCE engine enhances low-contrast resolution and reduces noise, ensuring diagnostic confidence even at remarkably low radiation exposure levels. Additionally, the Precise IQ engine further elevates spatial resolution, rivaling conventional CT.
"The difference that artificial intelligence brings is at those really low, ultra low doses," Mehta explained. "The Precise IQ engine boosts the spatial resolution to twice as much as what we've seen on conventional CT."
Siemens, GE and Philips are developed photon-counting CT technology that many CT experts believe may be the next major innovation to offer ultra-high resolution imaging. But Mehta said Canon believes that there is more than one way to achieve ultrahigh resolution.
"Either you take a hardware-based approach, which is through the use of photon-counting detectors, or something more sophisticated such as AI reconstruction to be able to take you in that direction of super resolution imaging," Mehta said.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com