#Germany #Heidelberg #Mediso #SPECT/CT #TheraMAX

Mediso Unveils Breakthrough Imaging Technology at Heidelberg University Hospital

Heidelberg University Hospital has recently become the setting for a remarkable advancement in medical imaging technology with the installation of the AnyScan® TRIO-TheraMAX SPECT/CT by Mediso. This cutting-edge system specifically addresses the demands of theranostic imaging, which combines therapy and diagnostics to improve patient care. The need for improved imaging solutions is particularly crucial as the treatment landscape evolves to incorporate novel therapies.

Unmatched Imaging Capacity

The TheraMAX is ingeniously designed to enhance the capabilities of the nuclear medicine department. It introduces specialized detectors and collimators tailored for targeted radionuclide therapies using radioisotopes that emit challenging high-energy photons. These improvements allow for superior performance in quantitative imaging and dosimetry with isotopes such as 177Lu, 225Ac, 212Pb, and 131I.

According to Professor Dr. Clemens Kratochwil, head of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Heidelberg University Hospital, the TheraMAX significantly expands their capacity for radioligand therapy. The facility is already utilizing a range of innovative radiopharmaceuticals labeled with isotopes like 177Lu and 225Ac for a variety of treatments, including those part of clinical trials aimed at developing more personalized care for patients.

“Initial scans using the 225Ac isotope indicate a potential reduction in the duration of the quantitative SPECT/CT whole-body scans, ultimately leading to more efficient image-based dosimetry,” Dr. Kratochwil noted, emphasizing the system's impact on patient management.

Innovative Detector Design

The innovative design of the TheraMAX features three large surface detectors that are significantly larger than conventional systems, providing full 360-degree angular coverage around the patient. This design is complemented by 15.9 mm thick NaI crystals, which enhance sensitivity for high-energy photons. Furthermore, the high-density arrangement of sensors (123 PMT per detector head) leads to superior spatial resolution and image quality that rivals PET scans.

One of the main challenges in whole-body imaging for 225Ac-PSMA therapy lies in the ultra-low count rate due to the administered radiopharmaceutical activity. The TheraMAX offers a groundbreaking 300% increase in sensitivity compared to traditional dual-detector systems. As a result, whole-body scans can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for imaging protocols requiring a minimum 80 cm long axial field of view (FOV).

Versatility Across Nuclear Medicine Procedures

Beyond its impressive performance in radioligand therapies, the TheraMAX excels in a wide range of nuclear medicine applications. The system's superior sensitivity permits ultra-fast total-body SPECT/CT imaging. For instance, scans involving 177Lu therapy can be completed with a two-meter scan length in just 10 minutes.

An additional technological feat of the TheraMAX is the RoboCart™, which allows for seamless transitions between applications utilizing low and ultra-high energy isotopes. This motorized cart automates the collimator exchange across all three detector heads in a mere five minutes, further enhancing operational efficiency within the department.

Conclusion

The installation of the AnyScan® TRIO-TheraMAX SPECT/CT at Heidelberg University Hospital marks a pivotal step towards advancing theranostic imaging. With its remarkable imaging capabilities, the TheraMAX is set to transform patient outcomes through more precise diagnostics and tailored treatment options, solidifying its role in the future of personalized medicine in nuclear health care.