As nuclear cardiac imaging technology has evolved, gamma cameras have graduated from single-head to multiple-head detector technology. Although single-head SPECT cameras are not necessarily obsolete, there are an increasing number of drawbacks if you choose to continue using it to diagnose cardiac patients.
Dual-head cameras reduce scan time by half, simply because there are two heads. Each rotation is only 90 degrees compared to a single-head that is responsible for the full 180 degrees. A triple-head camera can complete a scan in about one-third of the time of a single-head camera.
The popularity of Gated SPECT
In years past, higher vs. lower volume dictated the need for a single or dual-head camera. But, as technology evolved, gated SPECT (GSPECT) became state-of-the-art and grew into one of the most frequently performed procedures in nuclear cardiology. The additional combined minutes of scan time needed to gain enough count density was significantly improved with a multi-head camera.
Nuclear medicine is, by all counts, a low statistic science. Anything done to lower the statistic results in an inferior image, and consequently, anything done to increase the statistic improves the image. The goal is to use as little dosing or time as possible to reach the medical diagnosis. By using a multi-head camera, you may increase the total counts per stop, thereby improving the counting statistics with a significantly shorter total scan time and/or lower dose, resulting in a better image.
From the patient’s perspective
Time is not only relative to the procedure and your overall volume, but it’s also important to patients. A higher quality outcome completed in less time leaves the patient with a better overall experience. It also allows them to be more compliant during the scan. A patient who can remain still results in a better image than one from a patient who moves, even if the image is motion corrected. In fact, the correction itself can create artifacts. Consider the practicality, too. When a patient is uncomfortable or in pain, a procedure that finished even five minutes sooner could make a world of difference.
Improving your single-head camera
Over the last decade, advanced reconstruction algorithms, like Digirad’s nSPEED™, have been developed to mathematically improve statistics. Today, if your single-head camera doesn’t include the algorithm, you can invest in a software package, which can increase the speed of the scan time without degrading the image.
While software upgrades can lead to improvements of a single-head camera, a multi-head camera is still faster, includes higher statistics, and results in a better image. You also won’t benefit from all the other advantages should you have chosen to replace your equipment. It simply might not be the best available use of your time, energy, or money.
Upgrading in today’s market
If you upgrade your equipment to a dual or triple-head camera, your advantages are significant.
Today, advanced reconstruction algorithms are standard features, so you’re choosing to improve the image quality in half the time, thereby increasing your lab’s overall efficiency. You’ll also have access to the latest versions of software.
A dual or triple head camera also gives the technologist the flexibility to deliver the very best image. A multi-head camera with an advanced reconstructive algorithm can offer improved image quality and lead to a more confident and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, with tools like Digirad’s TruACQ Count-based Imaging™, each scan is fully personalized to each patient by quickly reading the activity originating from the myocardium prior to the scan, and recommending the appropriate seconds per stop to meet ASNC count density guidelines. This individualized care doesn’t prolong the technologist’s workday because they have the tools to do the best job possible.
Upgrading is not just about how many detector heads your system has. It’s investing in a better and more sophisticated way to deliver nuclear cardiology.
