United Imaging's Next Generation PET/CT Scanners Set to Transform Biomedical Research at Massachusetts General Hospital

The Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a key player in biomedical imaging and neuroscience, recently made a significant advancement in its research capabilities through the selection of United Imaging's next-generation PET/CT scanner. This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize how researchers study the complex interactions between physiological systems in the human body.

Traditionally, researchers have faced the challenge of imaging individual organs separately, but the new PET/CT technology allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple systems, including the brain, heart, and gut. This innovative approach not only enhances the precision of imaging but also opens doors to new scientific and clinical insights that can lead to better understanding and treatment of various diseases.

The procurement of this advanced imaging system was facilitated by grants awarded to Dr. Ciprian Catana, a notable figure in radiological sciences and director of the Molecular Imaging Core at the Martinos Center. With funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, this acquisition aims to meet the increasing demand for PET imaging at MGH, which caters to over 200 researchers involved in significant studies across MGH and collaborative institutions like brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

According to Dr. Bruce Rosen, the director at the Martinos Center, 'The latest advances and the tools we are acquiring will not only improve our molecular imaging capabilities but will also directly enhance the research productivity of our teams as they tackle complex questions in health and disease.' The selection of United Imaging's uMI Panorama GS scanner is based on the device's superior performance metrics, including exceptional spatial resolution and an unparalleled coverage area that significantly surpasses that of conventional scanners.

This scanner boasts high timing resolution, allowing for rapid imaging of the entire body. With a sensitivity 40 times higher than traditional PET scanners, the uMI Panorama GS enables researchers and clinicians at MGH to obtain detailed images across the entire body simultaneously with unprecedented accuracy and high resolution. "This project marks a transformative leap for biomedical imaging, bridging gaps between different physiological systems and facilitating advanced research and diagnostics," explained Dr. Catana.

Initially launched with an intention to foster clinical translation research within the Mass General Brigham system, this initiative will be spearheaded by Dr. Catana, alongside Dr. Marcelo Di Carli, the Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Their collaboration aims to push the boundaries of what is currently possible in molecular imaging and to explore the implications of physiological interactions on health.

Molecular imaging, which employs radiopharmaceutical agents to visualize physiological processes, is constantly evolving. This new generation of PET technology will significantly enhance scientific discovery and diagnostic processes in clinical environments. Jeffrey Bundy, CEO of United Imaging in North America, reinforced the commitment to advancing healthcare technologies that support academic research and equitable healthcare access for all communities. The uMI Panorama GS will join the company’s roster of state-of-the-art imaging solutions that began with the introduction of the total-body PET/CT scanner, uEXPLORER in 2019.

Aiming for operational readiness by the summer of 2025, the uMI Panorama GS represent a milestone in medical imaging technology. By fostering collaboration between leading academic institutions and innovative technology providers, this project exemplifies the transformative power of advanced imaging technologies in creating a deeper understanding of complex human systems. With the potential to unveil new clinical applications and a robust understanding of body functions, it positions MGH, and by extension, Mass General Brigham, at the forefront of biomedical research and healthcare innovation, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced research capabilities.

Topics Health)

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