April 20, 2017 — Samsung NeuroLogica recently announced that the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, Calif., added the BodyTom computed tomography (CT) scanner to its brachytherapy suite. BodyTom is the world’s first portable, full-body, 32-slice CT scanner, according to the company.
The BodyTom will significantly improve their workflow process efficiency goals by eliminating the need to transfer patients to a CT simulator room, reducing risks associated with moving patients including displacing brachytherapy applicators and increased duration of brachytherapy procedures. In addition to improving safety, the CT scanner’s real-time imaging enhances accuracy when treating cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy treatment.
“UC Davis is opening a brachytherapy suite, and this type of CT scanner is one of many pieces of new technology that we will be able to offer for patient care,” said Richard Valicenti, professor and chair of radiation oncology at UC Davis. “UC Davis is at the forefront in adopting the latest treatment technologies that provide patients with the best opportunities for positive outcomes. We are the first in this region to have such full range of cancer care options for our patients.”
BodyTom is a self-shielded, multi-departmental imaging solution capable of transforming any room in the hospital into an advanced imaging suite. The system features an 85cm gantry and a 60cm field of view, the largest field of view available in a portable CT scanner, according to Samsung NeuroLogica. Designed to accommodate patients of all sizes, BodyTom provides point-of-care imaging wherever high-quality CT images are needed, including the operating room, intensive care unit, radiation oncology suites and the emergency department. The combination of rapid scan time, flexible settings and immediate image viewing makes the BodyTom a valuable tool to any facility needing versatile real-time portable imaging.
Radiation oncologists use brachytherapy to treat forms of prostate, lung, breast, colorectal and gynecologic cancers. Radioactive sources are temporarily inserted inside tumors or areas of interest; this process enables precise delivery of high doses in a short time. The BodyTom produces high-quality, 3-D images to aid this process and can also be used to double-check the placement of radioactive implants, and make adjustments as necessary, without moving the patient.
The portable CT scanner is designed to help medical physicists and radiation oncologists map out a course of treatment at the point of care, in real time. Clinical studies have shown BodyTom CT to be a safe, highly precise tool for aiding the insertion of implants in anatomically complex procedures such as spinal surgery,1 enhancing outcomes.2
For more information: www.samsungneurologica.com
References
1. Barsa, P. et al, Intraoperative portable CT-scanner based spinal navigation - a feasibility and safety study”. Act Neurotic, DOI 10.1007/s00701-014-2184-8.
2. Barsa, P. et al, Open Operating Theatre: Portable CT scanner-based navigation in lumbar pedicle screw insertion. Ear Spine J, DOI 10.1007/s00586-013-2815-4.
