MARS Bioimaging attends the Workshop on Medical Applications of Spectroscopic X-ray Detectors
On April 19, MARS Bioimaging’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Anthony Butler, attended CERN’s biannual Workshop on Medical Applications of Spectroscopic X-ray Detectors. CERN, a world leading physics laboratory famous for finding the Higgs boson, highlighted the latest developments on spectroscopic X-Ray imaging in medicine.
“CERN developed new technology in the eighties and nineties called photon counting,” Anthony recalls. “By about 2006, there was a group at CERN and a group at Siemens and GE who were proving that it could be done on humans. We created a scientific committee and started this workshop. Every two years we bring leaders from around the world to come and talk about how the technology is progressing. One of the things that’s changed dramatically is that it’s gone from being something that people thought was somewhere in the future or may never work, to the hottest topic in medical imaging these days.”
At the crux of the conference was spectral X-rays, a domain where X-rays transcend their traditional grayscale existence to embrace the vibrancy of true colour, and the art of measuring and harnessing these x-ray colours to elevate healthcare standards. Most medical imaging equipment vendors either have early first versions of photon counting scanners, or have it on their roadmap in the near future.
Spectral photon-counting and its potential
Spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) is a groundbreaking technology that’s set to redefine the landscape of clinical radiology. By counting individual X-ray photons, SPCCT provides a range of possibilities: enhanced spatial resolution, minimised X-ray dosage, and the ability to measure material such as water and calcium in the patient.
X-ray imaging has long been synonymous with monochrome representations, offering glimpses into human anatomy. However, with the advent of spectral photon counting, X-ray images now provide insights into the composition of human biology by measuring the x-ray colour.
For the team at MARS, the discussions and insights gleaned from the workshop underscore the impact of high spectral fidelity and accurate colour information in medical imaging.
Photon counting redefines the norm
Change is the only constant when it comes to medical tech – it’s always evolving. The legacy era of X-ray imaging, characterised by its antiquated methodologies, is looking like it’s had its day. Photon counting and direct conversion is the future, and while the transition may be gradual, it’s inevitable. Our team is committed to spearheading this revolution, ensuring that tomorrow’s healthcare is brighter, clearer, and more precise than ever before.
Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how spectral CT can improve your research.