from left: the biograph from Seimens, GE Medical Systems’ Discovery LS, Philips’ Gemini PET-CT system

PET was surely the “pet” technology of nuclear medicine at RSNA, gathering the lion’s share of attention at this year’s show. Interest is high, as is procedure growth namely coupled with CT. And to help keep revenues on track, vendors unveiled enhancements to patient throughput and volume that will keep pace with declines in reimbursement, when and if they occur.

Molecular imaging also turned some heads around the RSNA floor. New techniques and technologies focused on cardiology, oncology and gene expression.

CTI Molecular Imaging Inc. (Knoxville, Tenn.) used RSNA as its launching pad to introduce its new Reveal XVI PET-CT system. The Reveal XVI combines 16-slice CT technology and LSO (lutetium oxyorthosilicate) crystal technology to perform high-speed cardiac procedures as well as tests for cancer detection and monitoring in 13 minutes for most patients.

CTI says that the LSO PET scan combined with the 16-slice CT image will produce more accurate cancer tumor detection and precise localization. The 16-slice CT technology also allows the Reveal XVI to perform high-speed cardiac tests, such as CT angiographies and real-time interventional studies.

The Reveal XVI is FDA 510(k) cleared. CTI plans to ship its first units in the second quarter. The company estimates the selling price at $2.5 million, depending on configuration.

Please refer to the January 2003 issue for the complete story. For information on article reprints, contact Martin St. Denis