Oxford, UK, 15 November 2017: Adaptix Ltd will today showcase, to medical equipment manufacturers, the capabilities of its Flat-Panel X-ray Source which will make portable, low radiation-dose, low-cost 3D imaging more accessible. The showcase will take place in Chicago at the Radiology Society of North America’s (RSNA) Annual Meeting, where industry leaders will be able to see how the Adaptix sources allow fast, 3D imaging.
Many patients have Computed Tomography (‘CT’) scans, in order to investigate suspicious findings on an X-ray, but referring a patient to CT is costly. Fixed Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) systems exist which present excellent 3D images at a fraction of the radiation dose and per image price. However the systems remain expensive, are so large that they cannot be moved and the acquired images can often be prone to breathing artifacts. Adaptix is unlocking cost-effective 3D digital tomosynthesis to assist in faster, more definitive diagnoses with the option of mobile 3D imaging at the bedside.
Each Adaptix Flat-Panel X-ray Source (‘FPS’) is made up of an array of cold cathode field emitters, sealed into a unit together with a power supply. The field emitters each generate a conelet of X-rays. Because the array would otherwise produce a large number of overlapping X-rays, a proprietary system, which avoids the common problem of high voltage switching, allows for each X-ray emission to be addressed and individually controlled.
The FPS emits X-rays covering many different angles allowing depth information to be derived through tomosynthesis. This is possible without the need to physically move the emitting source, which reduces acquisition time and therefore the risk of motion artifacts. A reduced standoff distance is used, reducing power requirements and thermal challenges compared to conventional tube-based X-ray sources. A further benefit is that the beam focal spots are well below the typical millimetre range, allowing for enhanced resolution.
This new approach is complemented by Adaptix’s image reconstruction solution, which was developed in conjunction with leading researchers from Oxford University’s Mathematical Institute and uses 'sparse data' techniques to optimise image reconstruction and reduce the number of images required.
Adaptix’s IP patent portfolio is growing and the company has a database of over 100 key inventions all pointing towards a significant transformation in medical imaging globally. A first version of the FPS will be released to manufacture in 2018.
About Adaptix Ltd
Based at Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park, Adaptix Ltd is a developer of addressable distributed arrays for X-ray generation. Adaptix is transforming radiology by bringing to market an addressable Flat Panel X-ray source (FPS). Its patent-protected technology enables fast 3D imaging, through tomosynthesis, using a stationary source at significantly lower dose that CT.
The applications for 3D imaging include; industrial, security and veterinary. But most importantly 3D imaging helps clinicians increase diagnostic accuracy for many high incidence conditions seen in medical and dental practice. The technology will enable 3D imaging to be lower dose, cheaper, more widely available and truly portable through the world’s clinics and hospitals.
Adaptix’s Research and Development has been supported by Innovate UK and leverages the world-class facilities of the Science and Technology Facilities Council at Harwell, to allow cutting edge British technology to be offered globally to original equipment manufacturers and systems integrators.
www.adaptiximaging.com | @adaptiximaging