January 30, 2012 — Capital Health and GE Healthcare announced that the first Discovery NM 750b was installed at Capital Health’s New Jersey Hopewell medical center.
“This innovative technology overcomes some of the challenges we currently face with breast cancer detection, particularly in women with dense breast tissue, and allows us to offer our patients improved medical care,” said Yaakov Applbaum, M.D., medical director of the Radiology Department at Capital Health. “It will also be useful in the early detection of breast cancer in women who are at a high risk for the disease.”
Breast cancer detection is sometimes difficult, as breast density in varying degrees can overlap with lesions, making them harder to find with traditional X-ray mammography; and interpretation can vary among physicians, which can lead to recommendations for additional tests.
Molecular breast imaging, or MBI, is less susceptible to breast density since the method involves a radioactive tracer with a high affinity for metabolically active tumors, and two specialized detectors imaging the breast from opposing angles. MBI has been shown in clinical studies to outperform mammography for early detection, and in finding more cancers.
The GE Discovery NM 750b scanner features dual detectors with CZT technology. The system’s innovative detector design facilitates increased imaging sensitivity compared with conventional nuclear medicine “gamma” cameras. In addition, image contrast and quality represent significant improvements over conventional systems. Imaging of the breast can be performed with only light immobilization and without the need of full compression. The Discovery NM 750b is intended to become part of a comprehensive arsenal of advanced imaging technologies that includes positron emission tomography (PET), spiral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
For more information: www.gehealthcare.com