Last week at the RSNA 2021 conference, United Imaging Healthcare Solutions discussed plans for the first installations of its recently FDA-cleared CT system, the uCT ATLAS, which is designed to maximize clinical flexibility.

Initial installments are set to take place over the next two months, with a few to take place in the beginning of the new year. In addition to its 82-cm bore and quarter second rotation time, the 640-slice scanner comes with a range of AI capabilities not found on previous United Imaging scanners. This includes its uAI Vision camera, deep learning reconstruction and deep learning-based dose modulation features. It also is made up of the Z-Detector architecture and the uExceed software platform.

Users can image a wide range of patients for a broad range of exams with uCT ATLAS, including pediatric, CT angiography, patients with metal implants and cardiac imaging. Additionally, it has 700 lb table weight capacity and with its bore size, can scan large patients. CEO Jeffrey Bundy adds that other applications include whole-organ scanning, liver work and neuroimaging, and that the scanner will be useful for trauma and stroke imaging as well as in the ER.

“One of the features of the scanner that is very unique is its ability to fully tilt in both directions. That’s important because when you do a neuro study, one of the clinical concerns is irradiating the eyes with the CT scanner. From the standpoint of a high-end scanner with that type of rotation speed and those kinds of capabilities, having the ability to rotate in a way where the X-rays do not go through the eyes while you’re imaging is a big advantage,” he told HCB News.

The system’s speed and 0.25 second gantry rotation allow it to image pediatric and trauma patients, as well as those with compromised breathing. It also is a one-beat coronary CT, meaning that it can perform coronary CTA scans, and is equipped with 60 kVp scanning capability, uAI AI-IR and KARL 3D technologies to reduce dose while maintaining image quality.

Another new feature is the uAI Vision 3D camera, which tracks patients as they come into the MR room and performs a quick AI deep learning-based segmentation of the body. “When you go to position the scanner, the patient just says I want to image the C-spine, L-spine or liver, and the scanner will automatically move the patient to the center of the scanner when the scan needs to take place,” said Bundy.

He adds that this saves time spent by the technologist in adjusting for appropriate positioning and scouting and also decreases errors or the need for re-scanning due to having the wrong scanning region. “Our approach really allows you to buy a system today and know that this future proof is prepared for the future, because it has all the software upgrades that are coming over time.”

As part of United Imaging’s All-in Configurations, users have the flexibility to access advanced features without paying for additional upgrades on uCT ATLAS and all other systems and modalities designed by the company. Like United Imaging’s other CT solutions, it also has Software Upgrades for Life for complete investment protection.

The system was FDA-cleared in September.