Providing customized solutions for the medical industry

AB-CT - Advanced Breast GmbH has developed the world’s first breast CT scanner based on spiral CT and photon counting technology, and Moog GAT was able to contribute a customized solution required to make this successful! Our combined solution incorporates slip rings, that utilizes gold/gold transmission technology for power supply, rotary unions that transfer coolant to the CT unit, and fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ) that assist in trasmitting the imaging data. The innovative nu:view scanner design places high demands on our installed components, as fast data transmission is required to process the data volume of the high-resolution 3D images.

Without compromizing performance, Moog GAT's experience enabled a compact design to be developed by cleverly arranging the components used from different technologies. This was implemented by positioning the fiber-optic rotary joint within the hollow shaft of the rotary union. This allowed the device to have a low overall height, allowing for easy accessibility for patients using the CT scanner. Due to its comparatively compact size, the nu:view is not only reserved for radiology clinics, but can also be used in specialist practices.

The comfort offered to patients by the breast scanner should be clearly emphasized, as there is no need for any compression of the breast during the scan. The patient lies prone on the surface of the nu:view and places her breast comfortably in the opening provided. The scan of the breast is performed at a low radiation dose and takes only 7 - 12 seconds. During the examination, up to 12,000 projections are created, allowing nu:view to image all parts of the breast to create a true 3D image without  superimposition of multiple images. Due to the gentle nature of the examination, the nu:view also allows patients access to breast examinations who were denied in the past for various reasons, e.g. due to wearing pacemakers or older silicone implants.

This high-tech imaging system is already being used successfully in several institutions. At the University Hospital Zurich alone, more than 3,000 patients have been examined to date.

Additional Resources: 
Moog GAT Medical Industry
Moog GAT ROTOCT
AB-CT Advanced Breast CT