Advanced SSR (Super Spatial Resolution) SPECT - phase-contrast CT for preclinical imaging

# Record card
12
Thematic areas
Health & Biotech / Bio-medicals
Health & Biotech / Medical imaging & equipment
Health & Biotech / Diagnostic, Medical imaging & advanced bioimaging
Description

Current standard SPECTs, in order to achieve high resolutions, use a multi-pinholes technology that requires numerous data processing to limit the effects of image distortion. The proposed SSR-SPECT scanner, uses a parallel-hole collimator and therefore does not require numerical reprocessing of the data to obtain correct information on the images, while assuring spatial resolutions close to those of the pinholes through the acquisition of sequences of images shifted from one to another. The technique is adaptable to experimental needs, allowing the quality of the images to be optimised according to the specifications of the examination required (by varying the number of images acquired). In addition, the introduction of CT phase contrast improves the morphological details that can be obtained. Thanks to the implementation of phase contrast, it will be possible to obtain a detailed description of biological tissues and the vascular system to be obtained without using external contrast agents.

Business fields
Industry
Type of innovation
Product / process innovation in integration with an already existing technology
Description of innovative features / Competitive advantages

Using patented technology (SSR - Super Spatial Resolution), it is possible to estimate an improvement of between 35-70% in nominal spatial resolution, compared to standard SPECT technology. The introduction of CT phase contrast improves the morphological details that can be obtained. With the implementation of phase contrast, it will be possible to achieve a contrast resolution up to 1000 times higher than that achievable with standard CT equipment. The technology is potentially applicable to theragnostic applications, e.g. integrating systems for controlled drug delivery using magnetic fields.

Reference market
Incremental innovation
Impacts on existing markets
Development stage
Prototype
TRL
4
5
Advantages
Product/process/service/technology optimization
Cost reduction
Patented technology
Yes
Country/ies

Italy, USA, PCT

Technology validation/demonstration
Internal validation
Market positioning
Italian
European
International
Partner required
Enteprise
Seed capital
Cooperation in national /european / international project

Information
For more information and/or to be put in contact with the Research Team, please contact the Project Manager:

Barbara Angelini - Project Manager
CNR - Unità Valorizzazione della Ricerca
Phone number 06.49932415
E-mail barbara.angelini@cnr.it