October 1, 2007 - GE Healthcare demonstrated at its Global Research Center what it says is the first 3D X-ray plus ultrasound image fusion system (DBT-US fusion) developed for clinical applications such as breast imaging.
The 3D Tomosynthesis unit is currently in clinical trials for breast imaging at the University of Michigan. Using reconstruction techniques similar to computed tomography (CT) researchers can reconstruct a 3D image. The device then co-registers the X-ray and ultrasound images to produce images of significantly higher image quality and with increased specificity.
GE’s goal is to enhance screening for breast cancer by raising specificity to 95 percent, to detect lesions as small as 7 mm, for recalls to drop below 5 percent and to reduce the number of biopsies to two biopsies per cancers found.
Researchers at GE are also focused on expanding 3D digital X-ray applications to other clinical areas.
For more information: www.gehealthcare.com