nanoScan SPECT/MRI

Mediso has pioneered the first integrated SPECT/MRI imaging technology for preclinical animal studies. The nanoScan SPECT/MRI continues to be the only hybrid preclinical imaging system to offer the flexibility of SPECT imaging coregistered with the precision aligned soft tissue resolution of MRI.

The nanoScan SPECT subsystem offers an industry-best balance of high sensitivity, high resolution and fully integrated animal support for imaging a wide range of animal species. The broad selection of patented M³ collimators (multi-focus, multi-size, multi-pinhole) empower users with vast capabilities for both focused organ and whole-body applications with the best quantitative accuracy (>97%). The preclinical SPECT/MR system supports quantitative dynamic imaging with full list mode acquisition. ECG and respiratory gating are possible for SPECT and MR scans.

By combining the power of SPECT with state-of-the-art compact MRI technology, the nanoScan SPECT/MRI offers exceptional and unique possibilities for true translational studies. The desirable elements of soft tissue detail and high contrast of MRI perfectly complement the dynamic, functional data of SPECT. Unlike PET, SPECT provides the ability to detect signals of different energies from multiple radionuclide-labeled biomarkers for fully customized and application-specific multifunctional imaging. The system is easily installed in one day and does not require the expensive infrastructure typical of a traditional cryogen magnet. In addition, the nanoScan is easy to operate through a common software interface and straightforward to maintain by life scientist and personnel without MRI experience.

Summary of Key Benefits

No compromise in imaging performance¹: the negligible fringe field from the permanent magnet ensures superior performance of PET subsystem

300um resolution with >97% quantitative accuracy and an absolute quantification accuracy over 97%

Advantages of soft tissue contrast imaging

Full tumor characterization: Determine the volume of tumors, vascularity, and heterogeneity
Resolve specific regions of soft tissue to reveal exact localization and distribution of SPECT tracers

Reduced radiation exposure of the animals

Anatomical information obtained with non-ionizing radiation
Reduce confounding effects from ionizing radiation for treatment groups and multi-session longitudinal studies

Compact and easy-to-use design

Does not require MRI experience or background
Simple operation on common user interface with no long calibrations required
Seamless scanning between PET and MRI acquisitions, NO WAIT TIME!
Quick “plug and publish” installation

Summary of Key Benefits for SPECT

Significant redesign of the collimator, detector and event processing system

The combination of 4 large broadband detectors and M³ SPECT apertures results in outstanding space-bandwidth product¹ and detector efficiency further increasing sensitivity and improving spatial resolution
Exceptional balanced performance: Up to 13,000 cps/MBq(27 uCi) sensitivity @ sub-millimeter resolution
Highest spatial resolution: 300um resolution with >97% quantitative accuracy
Ultra-fast 4D/5D list mode dynamic imaging by static or rotational SPECT modes

Mediso Ultra High Performance (UHP) Detector with Resolution Booster^TM

Resolution Booster^TM: projections are precision-aligned on detector to utilize the best intrinsic resolution
More than doubled crystal volume: 50% larger detector area & 50% thicker crystal (compared to NanoSPECT/CT)
Up to 4 NaI(Tl) 28x28cm crystal detectors, crystal thickness 9.5mm, detector FOV 27x27cm
Number of photomultiplier tubes: 144 (for 4 heads)
Fully digital premium electronics: digital 1 ADC/PMT non-Anger detector electronics

Mediso M³ collimators (Multi-focus, Multi-size, Multi-pinhole apertures).

Rectangular-shaped, variable-sized pinholes in one plate.
Multifocal geometry.
Non-overlapping projections.
Comprehensive collimator selection (10) for every imaging requirement and application.
Each collimator is a manageable size and easily accessible for quick replacement.

Summary of Key Benefits for high-performance, compact MRI subsystem

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Compact permanent 1T Magnet

There is no active magnetic fringe field which allows the system to be placed anywhere in a research facility, even next to other research equipment.
Maintenance-free, permanent magnet technology.
Does not require; dedicated facilities, shielded rooms, isolation from other metal objects, dedicated power supplies, or cooling systems.
Easy-to-use software, simple workflow and pre-programmed sequences. Lab technician with no prior MRI or imaging experience can quickly master the platform and perform highly effective MR-based imaging experiments.
The magnet operates at a 1 Tesla field strength. This is the preferred field strength and frequency for ferrous and gadolinium-based contrast agent imaging due to the nature of the relaxivity curves of such agents.
Silent operation with “whisper quiet” gradients, no compressor, and no chillers.
Image resolution 100 μm in-vivo (ex-vivo spatial resolution 50 µm).

Advantages of the Compact and Integrated System

No loss of information due to reorientation
Attenuation & Scatter Correction based on MRI data
Common gantry and single image coordinate system for both modalities
Common integrated acquisition software
Integrated and optimized SPECT/MRI acquisition protocols
SPECT acquisition and reconstruction range selection based on MRI images
Whole-body MRI imaging with up to 280 mm extended axial field of view
Precise co-registration of MRI volume as anatomical reference for SPECT data
ECG and Respiratory gated imaging for both SPECT and MRI modalities

Why Integrated?

Would you buy stand-alone SPECT and MR systems? Why would an integrated SPECT/MRI be different? Want to achieve reproducible, sub-millimeter coregistered fusion of your modalities?

Due to the high level of integration of the nanoScan SPECT/MRI, there is no loss of information caused by reorientation and co-registration of images acquired on standalone systems.

This design allows accurate attenuation and scatter correction based on MRI datasets which is not possible with standalone or separated systems due to:

(1) Inevitable misalignment of the object caused by manual positioning

(2) Lack of integration of PET reconstruction and MRI data acquisition.

Automatic co-registration is ensured by a single, integrated acquisition software (Interview™ Fusion) used by the nanoScan SPECT/MRI imager. Precise positioning and automatic gantry movements enable multiple bed position MRI acquisition covering the entire body length of a mouse or rat.

The temporal correlation is quasi-simultaneous: users do not need to spend time moving the animal from one imager to the other or from one room to another. Transitioning from MRI to SPECT acquisitions is quickly achieved on the same gantry with no user intervention required.

Considering these advantages of the integrated nanoScan SPECT/MRI system, it is not surprising that throughput is high: acquiring a SPECT/MRI image will take about the same amount of time as a SPECT/CT imaging system.

The nanoScan SPECT/MRI 1T uses permanent magnet technology which does not require any cooling (ie. No cryogens or helium), plumbing, or auxiliary power supplies. These features significantly reduce operational costs and infrastructure costs associated with site readiness. The integrated system requires far less maintenance and allows for a quick and easy installation. The system has a small footprint and a negligible fringe field. There is no requirement for RF or magnetic shielding which makes it possible to place in spaces with other laboratory equipment. The nanoScan SPECT/MRI 1T is even compatible with standard laboratory and personal electronic equipment such as mobile phones and laptops.