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Integrated whole-body preclinical SPECT/MRI system for in-line multi-modality small animal imaging

Mediso pioneered integrated SPECT and MRI imaging technologies in preclinical small animal studies. SPECT/MRI represents a completely unique molecular imaging approach which allows hybrid imaging using biomarkers labeled with a wide range of radionuclides as well as single, dual- or even multi-isotope studies. Unlike PET, SPECT provides the ability to detect signals of different energies from multiple radionuclide-labeled biomarkers for fully customized and application-specific multifunctional imaging. SPECT/MRI has a variety of potential applications, including but not limited to imaging for cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, thyroid and other endocrine disorders, trauma, inflammation and infection.

SPECT has no physicial limits in resolution. The nanoScan SPECT/MRI offers exceptional and unique possibilities for true translational studies. In most of the SPECT applications, soft tissue details and high contrast are desirable elements which complement SPECT dynamic, functional read-outs. The plug-and-work imager is easily operated and maintained by life scientists without prior MRI experience.

SPECT/MR system includes the elimination of the radiation dose associated with CT and the much lower cost of building the technology compared to PET/MR.

Summary of Key Benefits

  • Mediso’s continuous leadership in preclinical SPECT technology; based on decades of experience
  • No compromise in the imaging performance: the negligible fringe field of the permanent magnet ensures the unique high performance of the SPECT subsystem
  • Versatile soft tissue contrast for the best Volume of Interest definitions
  • Compact and easy-to-use design

Summary of Key Benefits for SPECT

  • Keeping the development in one hand: Complete detection chain redesigned
  • Silent operation by whispering gradients – animals can be kept in the same room and depth of anesthesia can be kept at a minimum
  • Image resolution 100 μm in-vivo (ex-vivo spatial resolution <100 µm)

Advantages of the Compact and Integrated System

  • No loss of information due to reorientation
  • Attenuation & Scatter Correction based on MRI data
  • Common gantry and single image coordinate system for both modalities
  • Common integrated acquisition software
  • Integrated and optimized SPECT/MRI acquisition protocols
  • SPECT acquisition and reconstruction range selection based on MRI images
  • Unequivocally co-registered MRI volume as anatomical reference for SPECT studies
  • ECG and Respiratory gated imaging for both SPECT and MRI modalities

Why Integrated?

Would you buy stand-alone SPECT and CT systems? Why would an integrated SPECT/MRI be different?
Want to achieve reproducible, sub-millimetre co-registered fusion of your modalities?

Due to the high level of integration of the nanoScan SPECT/MRI, there is no loss of information caused by reorientation and co-registration of images acquired on standalone systems.

This design allows accurate attenuation and scatter correction based on MRI datasets which is not possible with standalone or separated systems

(1) due to the inevitable misalignment of the object caused by manual positioning and

(2) due to lack of integration of SPECT reconstruction and MRI data acquisition.

Automatic co-registration is ensured by single, integrated acquisition software used by the nanoScan SPECT/MRI imager. Moreover precise positioning and automatic gantry movements enable multiple bed position MRI acquisition covering the entire body length of a mouse and rat.

nanoScan SPECT/MRI uses the permanent magnet technology of Aspect Imaging which does not require any cooling (ie. No cryogens or helium), plumbing, or auxiliary power supplies.  These features significantly reduce operational costs, require far less maintenance and allow quick and easy installation with minimal demand on the laboratory. It has small footprint and due to the negligible fringe field, any other laboratory equipment can operate right next to it without further RF or magnetic shielding. It is even compatible with any laboratory and personal electronics equipment such as mobile phones and laptops.