Improved Medical X-Ray Imaging Device Employing a CdZnTe Detector Array

The overall goal is to develop an entirely new method of X-ray imaging to replace the current film-screen imager with a semiconductor detector array providing direct, digitized detection. The approach is enabled by this company's recent development of cadmium zinc telluride detectors and the availability of readout technologies developed under DOD programs. Potential features include: lineardynamic range up to at least 10(5); reduced patient X-ray exposure; virtual elimination of spatial resolution/sensitivity tradeoff (e.g., resolution of 20 1pm and 100% quantum efficiency); direct pulse readout allowing energy discrimination and dual energy imaging; directly digitized output to greatly facilitate electronic image enhancement, data management and rapid data transmission; and capability for portable, low-power medical imaging devices that provide for remote/field use and instantaneous transmission of images from remote locations. Primary Phase I goals are to demonstrate technical feasibility and ultimate clinical and economi viability of the approach, and to establish a foundation of essential information of which to build a Phase II program. To accomplish these goals, a distinguished group of expert advisors from the medical community, academia and industry has been assembled. Anticipated Benefits: Improved X-ray imaging will provide significant clinical benefits in early diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and trauma related dysfunctions, and should reduce medical costs. The new imager will significantly impact a market currently of $1.3 billion in the US alone and significantly benfit the nation's economy.