Clinical Demonstration of a Hybrid C-arm Scanner for Simultaneous Fluoroscopic (CBCT) and Scintigraphic (SPECT) Imaging

The primary methods for imaging in the intervention room have up to now consisted of fluoroscopy to map a patient’s anatomy or using hand-held gamma cameras for localization of radioactivity accumulations. We have developed a hybrid c-arm scanner that combines these modalities in a single device [1],[2]. This new form of imaging may impact a range of procedures [3]. In the current study, we present the results from the first clinical study that has been performed. Twelve patients were successfully imaged during radioembolization: an intervention performed for the treatment of liver cancer. The primary conclusion of the study was that the device is feasible to be used in the intervention room. Secondary, the image guidance capability of the device proved suitable, a comparison with a clinical SPECT/CT scanner demonstrated an accurate dosimetric quality of the device, and the hybrid imaging nature of the device showed potential for motion compensation methods [4]. In the next phase of the device development, the acquisition and reconstruction software will be improved in usability and speed so that the device may be employed in larger planned clinical studies.