Excellence in imaging diagnostics at Villa Stuart

The introduction of the Revolution Apex Elite CT by GE Healthcare is part of the ongoing innovation journey of Villa Stuart Clinic in Rome, a national and international reference center for diagnostics, specialized medicine, and athlete care.

The synergy between advanced technology and a highly qualified medical team ensures a top-level diagnostic service. Choosing Villa Stuart means relying on a facility that constantly invests in cutting-edge technologies to offer patients diagnostic accuracy, safety, and quality services. With the GE Revolution Apex Elite CT, Villa Stuart further strengthens its position as a reference point for imaging diagnostics in Rome.

What is CT (Computed Tomography)

CT (Computed Tomography) is an imaging diagnostic technique that uses X-rays and computer processing systems to obtain detailed images of the inside of the human body.

Once the patient is positioned on the table, the CT scanner performs a series of scans by rotating the X-ray tube around the patient. The collected data is then processed by software that reconstructs cross-sectional (axial) images of organs and tissues, with a much higher level of detail than a traditional X-ray, even allowing 3D reconstruction of the scanned structures and organs. This visualization enables the physician to make a more accurate assessment of the studied structures for a more precise and faster diagnosis.

CT is particularly useful for studying bones, lungs, internal organs, and blood vessels, and is often used to detect trauma, tumors, infections, hemorrhages, or vascular diseases. In some cases, a contrast agent may be administered to enhance the visualization of specific structures, such as vessels or certain organs.

The Revolution Apex Elite CT

The Revolution Apex Elite CT™ by GE Healthcare is an advanced computed tomography system designed to offer advanced diagnostic performance. With a modular design, state-of-the-art imaging technologies leveraging artificial intelligence, and continuous upgrade capabilities, this system can support a wide range of clinical applications.

Key Features

1. Fastest turnaround time in the industry

The gantry speed of the Revolution Apex Elite CT is crucial for generating sharper images, performing faster exams, and offering greater patient safety.

Through the Revolution Apex platform, the rotation speed of the gantry (the circular structure of the CT scanner) can be increased to 0.23 seconds per full rotation (360°), the fastest in the industry. This acquisition speed allows for the execution of advanced cardiac studies and the reduction of motion artifacts in pediatric patients or patients with respiratory difficulties, who will not be required to hold their breath for long. Additionally, the high acquisition speed significantly reduces exposure to ionizing radiation while maintaining high image definition and allows for the reduction of contrast medium use, enhancing comfort and reducing waiting and recovery times for greater patient comfort.

2. Effortless Workflow Model

A specific model of the Revolution Apex Elite CT that includes a set of technologies that automate and simplify the stages of the CT investigation:

• Pre-scan: The Revolution Ascend system suggests the protocols to use and automatically performs the optimal patient positioning:
  
  The automatic positioning based on artificial intelligence detects anatomical landmarks and displays the preliminary scan area on the Xtream tablet to determine the correct table elevation and couch movements needed to align the center of the scan area with the CT isocenter. This ensures the examination is conducted under the best conditions relative to the type of examination, the body region involved, and the characteristics of each patient, including bariatric or very robust patients;
  
  The Intelligent Protocoling, an artificial intelligence learning system, allows the machine to automatically suggest the protocol for each examination, reducing pre-scan decision time and helping to minimize the margin of error at this stage.
  
  
• During the scan:
  
  Smart Plan uses the patient’s preliminary scan information to automatically provide the correct scan area for head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis exams, including multi-group scans;
  
  Auto Prescription adjusts scan settings, balancing dose and image quality automatically, based on the specific characteristics of each patient, including bariatric or very robust individuals.
  
  
• Post-scan:
  
  Automated post-processing tools to assist healthcare professionals in post-processing activities through the use of intelligent applications designed to provide high efficiency and high-quality CT images in all clinical areas.

3. True Fidelity Images

Comprehensive diagnoses with high-quality images integrated by the Deep Learning Image Reconstruction system.

GE HealthCare trained the neural network to create the image reconstruction engine based on artificial intelligence Deep Learning to produce images of the highest quality.

The quality of a deep learning image reconstruction application depends on the effectiveness of its training. GE HealthCare trained its reconstruction engine using a library of thousands of low-noise filtered back projection (FBP) images, the benchmark for image quality:

• Design – Creation of layers of mathematical equations and development of a Deep Neural Network (DNN) capable of handling millions of parameters.
  
• Training – Input of a high-noise sinogram into the Deep Neural Network (DNN) and comparison of the resulting image with a low-noise version of the same image. Comparison of the two images based on various parameters with the production of a final image that reports the differences back to the network through backpropagation, in order to train and strengthen the DNN based on the desired output.
  
• Verification – Reconstruction by the network of clinical cases and tests with never-before-seen simulations, including extremely rare cases designed to challenge the network itself, confirming its effectiveness.

Thanks to parallel imaging and imaging acceleration (dS SENSE) functionalities for reducing scan times, the Revolution Apex Elite CT accelerates acquisitions.

Clinical Applications: Versatility and Precision

Oncological support for tumor staging

Oncological imaging and total body or focal exams upon clinical request: production of high-quality images and low-energy monochromatic images, along with the production of iodine maps, enhance the representation of lesions, ensuring high diagnostic performance in patients with neoplasms;

Osteoarticular and Traumatological Investigations

It produces images of the musculoskeletal system in which, by suppressing calcium, it highlights soft tissues and cartilage. It can also create “calcium-suppressed water maps” to allow the identification of bone marrow edema or spongy bone resulting from fractures or trauma.

Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Studies

Comprehensive vessel study with CT angiography, heart study, and cardiac post-processing functions: SnapShot Freeze 2 provides an automatic whole-heart motion correction algorithm with an effective temporal resolution of 29 ms*. Automated post-processing applications for coronary analysis and calcium scoring allow images to be read directly on the console or secondary reading station.

Evaluation of thoracic and abdominal pathologies

High-resolution CT of the chest with exam acquisition using an ultra-low dose in less than a second with a full FOV of 50 cm, even in obese or robust patients.

Neurological and cranial diagnoses

FastStroke offers a fully automated processing platform for CT studies on ischemic stroke, providing rapid diagnosis for the exclusion of acute stroke.

The best CT technology available today

The GE Healthcare Revolution Apex Elite CT represents a standard of excellence in the field of computed tomography. Thanks to its advanced imaging technology, acquisition speed, dose reduction, and ability to handle complex clinical cases, it enhances diagnostic quality and the efficiency of the diagnostics department.

Rely on precision and innovation for your diagnoses.
Choose the best CT technology available today.

*Text based on information available on the gehealthcare.it website