GE Healthcare announced today the release of its latest, most technologically advanced nuclear cardiology imaging system, the Ventri. Though remarkably compact, Ventri raises the image quality of nuclear studies to new heights while at the same time maximizing patient comfort.

According to Karthik Kuppusamy, Americas general manager of molecular imaging at GE Healthcare, the new Ventri is powerful, easy-to-use and delivers uncompromised clinical performance.

“GE's Elite detector technology, designed to provide a wide range of clinical flexibility, enables Ventri to provide unprecedented image quality for nuclear cardiology studies,” said Kuppusamy. “By bringing this advanced technology together with a small footprint, cardiologists can see and treat patients more effectively in the comfort of their office.”

GE’s exclusive Elite digital detector technology boasts one ADC per PMT, providing the information clinicians use to assess the location, extent and severity of myocardial damage caused by coronary artery disease. In addition, the system’s robust ring gantry design features a high precision center-of-rotation, which maximizes tomographic image quality for the clinician.

Unique to the Ventri is its future upgradeability to the most advanced attenuation correction system. Ventri is the only cardiac-dedicated nuclear imaging system designed to accept an optional integrated X-ray tube and CT detector to create high-quality attenuation maps that correct for attenuation artifacts. This unique system is designed to overcome attenuation caused by tissue, which leads to artifacts that adversely impact image quality and accuracy of the diagnosis. A thin, carbon-fiber low-attenuation tabletop is enhanced by the patented ergonomically –designed VentriCare™ accessories greatly improving image quality.

“GE Healthcare understands the importance of bringing innovative imaging technology to the physician office for optimal patient care,” Dr. Gordon DePeuy, St. Luke’s Medical Center, New York said. “Ventri has been tremendous addition to our nuclear cardiology department.”

SMALL FOOTPRINT – INCREASED PATIENT COMFORT Ventri’s small footprint measures only 8’ x 10’ and weighs less than 2,500 lbs. The unit is designed to become fully operational after a two-day installation.

By focusing on patient comfort, Ventri helps reduce patient movement, which positively impacts image quality, clinical efficiency and diagnostic confidence. VentriCare™ arm and leg supports reduce patient joint strain, allowing for more natural positioning, while small detector heads and a slim gantry gives patients a clear view throughout the scan.

A full range of user-friendly features and an ergonomic design further streamline workflow and enhance productivity, including Ignite™ automatic image processing, VentriCam™ wall-mounted camera to monitor a patient’s position, an ECG trigger conveniently mounted on the table and an easy access, low table height with convenient patient handles. Memorized Previous Scan Parameters provide quick, easy and consistent patient positioning for the second scan. Users can decide to place an acquisition station on a mobile cart or attached to a wall – depending upon what is most convenient.