Chinese med-tech firm advances clinical trials for spectral, high-resolution CT imaging

SHANGHAI -- A Shanghai-based medical-device firm has launched clinical trials for its innovative CT scanner, which decodes every captured photon to produce sharp, detail-rich images and usher in a new era of personalized, precision diagnostics.

The domestically developed photon-counting spectral CT from Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare is currently undergoing clinical evaluations at both Zhongshan Hospital and Ruijin Hospital in the city.

Harnessing semiconductor detectors for highly efficient direct photon-to-electric conversion, the system generates multi-spectral imaging that maps tissue components -- such as iodine, calcium, water and soft tissue -- in exquisite detail, according to the company.

"Conventional CT transforms X-rays into visible light via scintillator detectors, producing images akin to black-and-white photos that cannot deliver true, color-coded precision imaging," explained Du Yanfeng, president of the CT Division at United Imaging Healthcare.

"Photon-counting spectral CT's ultra-high resolution allows us to spot lesions earlier and clearly," said Yan Fuhua from Ruijin Hospital's radiology department.

Since the heart never stops beating, it's the toughest organ to image, Yan added. "This new 'camera' can sharply reveal vessels and the heart's structural details, offering more insight into cardiac anatomy and function."

This technology offers significant research potential for early detection of cerebrovascular diseases, dementia and more, said Zeng Mengsu, head of radiology at Zhongshan Hospital.

The new CT scanner can also slash radiation exposure by 60 to 70 percent, with some organs seeing reductions of up to 80 to 90 percent, dramatically enhancing exam safety, Du said.