Royal Philips Electronics has introduced its new BrightView X, a scalable SPECT camera that can be easily upgraded with CT when physicians are ready for the full capabilities of BrightView XCT.

Along with the addition of the new Nuclear Medicine Application Suite on the Extended Brilliance Workstation, Nuclear Medicine now available with the BrightView XCT; SPECT, PET, and CT processing can all be accessed on one common platform, helping to speed diagnosis and streamline workflow. The BrightView XCT, being shown with expanded applications in orthopedics, is a general purpose nuclear medicine SPECT/CT camera that was introduced at last year's SNM.

Philips also introduced its fastest PET scanner, the new third-generation Time-of-Flight platform at the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) annual meeting, extending its leadership in Time-of-Flight solutions.

"Philips is focused on providing clinical innovations to address the challenges facing nuclear medicine care providers and their patients in areas such as reimbursement and improved treatment efficacy," said Gene Saragnese, CEO of Imaging Systems for Philips Healthcare.

"We are showcasing a revolutionary portfolio in Nuclear Medicine at SNM this year with the launch of seven new product offerings with exciting clinical proof from our customers," Saragnese said. "Through these insight-inspired solutions, Philips is giving clinicians the tools to simplify workflow and to improve clinical accuracy across the oncology and cardiac care cycles, and in orthopedic imaging."

SPECT/CT has long been utilized in cardiac studies, but with Philips new BrightView XCT there is promise for applications in orthopedic studies, which is a field that typically relies heavily on X-ray imaging. At SNM 2009, Philips will showcase the first "no compromise" SPECT/CT hybrid system to address physicians' needs for high quality localization and attenuation correction with a flat-panel CT, while still allowing for patient dose reduction and increased diagnostic confidence.

"Philips BrightView XCT is able to detect even small hairline fractures with high spatial resolution," said Jay Mazelsky, senior vice president, Nuclear Medicine for Philips Healthcare. "With the growing trend of orthopedic needs in the aging baby boomer population, we recognize physicians' need for a hybrid modality that offers diagnostic confidence."

To improve image registration and enhance a positive patient experience, Philips BrightView XCT uses a unique co-planar design that allows the acquisition of SPECT and CT with minimal table movement between scans in most cases. Reducing movement, along with the system's wide-open gantry and large bore, contribute to improved patient comfort. Flexible breathing protocols also set it apart from other systems by allowing patients to breathe normally during both SPECT and CT scans.

Launching at SNM, Philips new BrightView X is a scalable version of the BrightView XCT. The mid-level SPECT camera offers a cost-effective option that allows customers the flexibility to purchase SPECT now and add CT later. The transition involves a simple upgrade without a change to the room size or power requirements.