AB-CT – Advanced Breast GmbH has developed the world’s first breast CT scanner based on spiral CT and photon counting technology, and Moog GAT was able to contribute a customized solution required for this purpose. The innovative scanner design of the nu:view places high demands on the installed components from the Moog Group, especially due to the very fast data transmission required to process the data volume of the high-resolution 3D images. This was successfully realized by using a combination of slip ring for power supply with gold/gold transmission technology, rotary feedthrough for feeding the coolant to the CT unit, and fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) for transmitting the image data.
Without compromising performance, Moog GAT’s experience enabled a compact design to be developed by cleverly arranging the components used from different technologies. Among other things, this was implemented by positioning the fiber-optic rotary joint within the hollow shaft of the rotary union. In this way, it was not only possible to meet the customer’s requirement for a low overall height for easy accessibility to the CT scanner for persons to be treated. Due to its comparatively compact size, the nu:view is not only reserved for radiology clinics, but can also be used in specialist practices.
The comfort offered to patients by the breast scanner should be clearly emphasized, because there is no need for any compression of the breast during the scan. The patient lies prone on the lying surface of the nu:view and places her breast comfortably in the opening provided. The scan of a breast is performed at a low radiation dose and takes only 7 – 12 seconds, which makes for a particularly gentle and patient-friendly type of examination. In this way, nu:view also provides access to breast examinations for those patients who were denied them in the past for various reasons, e.g. due to wearing pacemakers or older silicone implants.
During rotation around the breast, up to 12,000 projections are created. nu:view makes it possible for the first time to image all parts of the female breast in true 3D and without superimposition with just one image. The high-tech imaging system is already being used successfully in several institutions.
Disclaimer: nu:view has received CE approval
Disclaimer: nu:view has not yet received FDA approval
