Philips unveils new heart scanner

Philips has unveiled a 256-slice Brilliance iCT scanner that can create a 3D visualization of the heart in only two beats. Announced at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, the new scanner boast a significant reduction in radiation doses in addition to enhanced image acquisition.

The iCT scanner (CT stands for Computed Tomography - computerized imaging by sectioning) delivers fast and detailed 3D images of the entire heart's intricate anatomy that can help doctors quickly evaluate a multitude of health problems. It is also able to capture complete coverage of the brain in high-quality images with exceptional acquisition speed. For greater patient safety, the scanner features Philips Essence technology, consisting of new X-ray tubes, detectors and reconstruction design elements that have reduced radiation doses by up to 80 percent according to Philips.

Introduced alongside a new 64-channel system, the 256-slice Brilliance iCT scanner allows images to be accessed on any computer in a hospital or by colleagues and researchers remotely.

Philips has also announced its Reading Room 20/20, a future concept of the reading room where radiologists analyze diagnostic images of patients, and a wireless X-ray detector. The aim of the new technology is to allow radiologist to make faster, more accurate diagnosis and focus more on their patients.