Photon Counting Spectral Computed Tomography

ended

Due to its speed, accuracy and availability Computed Tomography (CT) is a routine tool for imaging of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and trauma injuries; every year over 100 million patients are examined using CT, making it one of the most common medical imaging procedures. Despite a significant development, current CT detectors are unable to obtain sufficient spectral information and have a limited spatial resolution. This leads to image artefacts and limited visualization of important details. Healthcare providers are thus forced to use more expensive and slower modalities like MRI and PET, translating in increased healthcare costs and risk since time to treatment is prolonged. Our solution is a novel photon counting spectrally resolved detector, developed and fully owned by the SME Prismatic Sensors. The technology offers a factor two higher spatial resolution, elimination of artefacts and increased dose-efficiency compared to state-of-the-art clinical CT scanners. Millions of people around the world would benefit from our technology through improved diagnostics and speed of care. In addition, radiation dose and the associated risk is dramatically reduced. The project will result in a fully tested and validated photon counting spectral CT detector ready for commercialization. The technology and the added clinical value will be validated and compared with state-of-the art in a clinical trial by radiologists at the Karolinska University Hospital. As an outcome, Prismatic Sensors expects the new patented detector technology to be the future choice for some or all the major global vendors. This will support Europe's position as a world-leader in medical innovation and healthcare technology, as well as improve hospital efficiency and save healthcare costs. Most importantly, it will have a positive impact for the survival odds for a large number of patients worldwide.