Digirad Adds World’s First Dual-Head, Solid-State Gamma Camera To Product Line
Digirad Adds World’s First Dual-Head, Solid-State Gamma Camera To Product Line
Jul 25, 2002
Unlike other nuclear cardiology systems on the market today, CardiusSST utilizes solid-state technology that enhances system reliability and image quality. This system is smaller and weighs significantly less than conventional gamma cameras, providing greater flexibility for imaging applications in office spaces as small as 7’ x 8’. The compact design allows for nearly turnkey installations without the need for costly office renovations. Additionally, this new dual-head system offers faster patient throughput than conventional dual-head cameras to give physicians the ability to perform more procedures in a given time period.
“Solid-state technology is the future of nuclear medicine and is available today only through Digirad,” said David Sheehan, Co-CEO, Digirad and President, Digirad Imaging Solutions. “CardiusSST is the best choice for physicians who demand high quality nuclear cardiology images and fast patient throughput. This is clearly the most progressive nuclear cardiology system on the market and replaces the obsolete Anger technology currently employed by the competition. Digirad now offers a complete line of solid-state cameras to suit the specialized needs of cardiologists.”
A commonly used nuclear cardiac imaging procedure, known as myocardial perfusion imaging, is both a diagnostic and prognostic tool. The test is helpful to determine whether there are blocked or narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart and what the risk factors are for subsequent coronary events. During the procedure, the patient is given a small amount of radioactive tracer so that the digital gamma camera can take pictures and project images of the heart. The cardiac images are displayed on the system’s computer and interpreted by a trained physician so that the appropriate course of treatment is prescribed. Approximately eight million myocardial perfusion imaging procedures are performed annually in the United States.
“CardiusSST is a very exciting and significant product for Digirad, added John Dahldorf, Co-CEO and CFO, Digirad. “In addition to the distinct advantages of fast throughput and compact design, the open, upright imaging architecture improves patient comfort. This is a significant benefit for patients with back, shoulder or respiratory conditions as well as for those with claustrophobia who may have difficulty with conventional imaging systems.”
Digirad will display its new system at the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology convention that will be held September 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland. The Company anticipates releasing the product in September 2002.
About Digirad
Digirad Corporation, a privately held company, develops, manufacturers and markets solid-state, digital gamma cameras to hospitals, imaging centers and physician offices. Digirad offers a comprehensive line of solid-state nuclear gamma cameras that can be used for the detection of many medical conditions including cardiovascular disease. These reliable, high performance cameras produce excellent image quality, and due to their lightweight and compact design, fit easily into small office spaces.
Digirad Imaging Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digirad Corporation, provides turnkey, in-office services for physicians who want to perform nuclear cardiology procedures, but do not have the patient volume, capital, expertise or personnel to justify purchasing a system. Both Digirad Corporation and Digirad Imaging Solutions are headquartered in San Diego. For more information, please visit www.digirad.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Digirad Corporation.
