News

Events Calendar

17 – 19 May 2023 | RÖKO 2023 – German Congress of Radiology
Wiesbaden

Event Archive

13-03-2023 / Erlangen


Breast CT radiation dose - photon counting

Photon-counting spiral breast CT: dose-efficient 3D imaging

Breast CT radiation dose - photon counting

nu:view breast CT allows for high-resolution 3D imaging without breast compression, combining cutting-edge imaging capabilities with patient experience. But what about the radiation dose?

In a retrospective study with 1657 breast CT examinations (829 patients), it was shown that radiation exposure of an examination using spiral breast CT equipped with a photon-counting detector [nu:view system] was lower than in diagnostic mammography and cone-beam breast CT. While other dose studies only examine phantoms, this is the first patient-specific dose study using real breast CT patient data from a large patient cohort.

nu:view breast CT allows for high-resolution 3D imaging without breast compression, combining cutting-edge imaging capabilities with patient experience. But what about the radiation dose?

In a retrospective study with 1657 breast CT examinations (829 patients), it was shown that radiation exposure of an examination using spiral breast CT equipped with a photon-counting detector [nu:view system] was lower than in diagnostic mammography and cone-beam breast CT. While other dose studies only examine phantoms, this is the first patient-specific dose study using real breast CT patient data from a large patient cohort.

After a dedicated breast tissue segmentation, a Monte Carlo simulation for dose estimation was performed and mathematical models which allow for an estimation of the dose based on morphological features were applied. Breast length was found to be an easy-to-use feature, which could be used by clinicians to adjust the scan settings to further minimize dose levels.

Full publication (paywall article):
Shim, S, Kolditz, D, Steiding, C, et al. Radiation dose estimates based on Monte Carlo simulation for spiral breast computed tomography imaging in a large cohort of patients. Med Phys. 2023; 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/mp.16211

Read more Show less

23-02-2023 / Erlangen


nu:view breast CT @ ECR

ECR 2023

nu:view breast CT @ ECR

Over 15,000 people attended ECR last year, this year the numbers are expected to grow as ECR is moving the congress back to its traditional time slot in March.

Don´t miss the chance to meet our breast CT experts at European´s largest radiology congress!

Learn how photon-counting technology revolutionizes breast image quality. Browse through our selection of clinical cases at our demo workstation and discuss how breast CT helps radiologists make reliable diagnoses.

Discover the smart answer to modern, compression-free breast diagnostics –  Thinking Women!

  • ECR 2023 | March 1-4 | Vienna, Austria.
  • Expo X4 | Booth # 409

More information and registration: ECR 2023

25-01-2023 / Erlangen


EUSOBI Mammography and beyond Course 2023

EUSOBI Mammography & beyond Course 2023

EUSOBI Mammography and beyond Course 2023

AB-CT – Advanced Breast-CT is proud to be hosting a the “First-hand Experience Reading Breast CT workshop at the European Society for Breast Imaging (EUSOBI)’s Mammography & beyond Course. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a thorough overview of this new imaging technique!

Prof. Andreas Boss and his team from University Hospital Zurich will provide first-hand insight into using breast CT for various clinical indications and image reading, including an outlook on AI techniques. As this is hands-on, participants will be encouraged to try the diagnostic reading themselves. A fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for an interactive deep dive into breast CT imaging. Are you ready?

More information & registration:
Breast CT Hands-on Workshop @ EUSOBI Mammography & beyond Course
Monday, 27.02.2023 – Tuesday, 28.02.2023
Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna

We’d like to thank b-rayZ, Barco, Infinitt, and USZ for their kind support.

11-01-2023 / Erlangen


Arab Health 2023

Arab Health 2023

Arab Health 2023

Discover the future of breast diagnostics at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 30 Jan – 2 Feb 2023. Join AB-CT at Arab Health to explore Next-Generation Breast ImagingThinking Women!

With cutting-edge, high-resolution 3D and low dose photon counting technology, short scan times, and excellent patient comfort without breast compression, nu:view breast CT offers a truly revolutionary breast imaging solution that allows radiologists and healthcare providers focus on the important: your patients.

Learn more how we can help you help your patients. We are looking forward to welcoming you!

AB-CT @ Arab Health | Za’abel Z3.E17 (German Pavilion)

15-12-2022 / Erlangen


The future of breast imaging?

Breast CT: The future of breast imaging?

The future of breast imaging?

Dedicated spiral breast CT with photon-counting technology (“nu:view” system) shows to be “a promising new breast imaging modality for several reasons”, finds a team of radiology scientists at the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.

Summarising on previously published scientific investigations and their own 3-year clinical experience with the system, the concepts of spiral breast CT and potential implications for patient care are outlined. According to the authors, two main application areas for spiral breast CT are emerging:

 

Dedicated spiral breast CT with photon-counting technology (“nu:view” system) shows to be “a promising new breast imaging modality for several reasons”, finds a team of radiology scientists at the University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.

Summarising on previously published scientific investigations and their own 3-year clinical experience with the system, the concepts of spiral breast CT and potential implications for patient care are outlined. According to the authors, two main application areas for spiral breast CT are emerging:

  • Advanced diagnostics: Contrast-enhanced spiral breast CT can provide functional information and may become an alternative to breast MRI in certain clinical settings, including problem-solving and staging.
  • Reaching out to women: Used without contrast media, spiral breast CT can be considered as an alternative to DBT and might become an alternative to screening mammography in cases where women would otherwise refuse or not be able to undergo breast compression.

Accurate 3D assessment of microcalcifications and non-mass enhancement at high isotropic resolutions are seen as one strength of spiral breast CT, suggesting a “high diagnostic potential for the work-up of DCIS and its benign mimicker.”

Read the full review article (open access) to learn more:

M. Wetzl, M. Dietzel, S. Ohlmeyer, M. Uder, E. Wenkel. „Spiral breast computed tomography with a photon-counting detector (SBCT): The future of breast imaging?“ In: European Journal of Radiology 157 (2022), p. 110605. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110605

Read more Show less

07-11-2022 / Erlangen


Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser - AB-CT - Advanced Breast-CT

Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser joins as Co-CEO and CFO

Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser - AB-CT - Advanced Breast-CT

As part of the expansion strategy, AB-CT’s shareholders have appointed Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser as the company’s new Co-CEO and CFO. “Dr. Bergmoser has a wealth of experience as CEO, CFO and strategic advisor in the healthcare sector that we are going to leverage to strengthen our processes and generate sustainable growth. Together, we will progress to the next stage and make breast CT more readily available,” says CEO Benjamin Kalender.

Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser: “AB-CT is an exceptionally innovative medtech company with a truly revolutionary technology. I am very much looking forward to being part of its further success story.”

As part of the expansion strategy, AB-CT’s shareholders have appointed Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser as the company’s new Co-CEO and CFO. “Dr. Bergmoser has a wealth of experience as CEO, CFO and strategic advisor in the healthcare sector that we are going to leverage to strengthen our processes and generate sustainable growth. Together, we will progress to the next stage and make breast CT more readily available,” says CEO Benjamin Kalender.

Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser: “AB-CT is an exceptionally innovative medtech company with a truly revolutionary technology. I am very much looking forward to being part of its further success story.”

Full press release (PDF, German):
AB-CT – Advanced Breast-CT GmbH mit Sitz in Erlangen hat im Rahmen der Expansionsstrategie Dr. Ulrich Bergmoser als Co-CEO und CFO gewonnen

Read more Show less

18-10-2022 / Erlangen


rt radiologie technologie photon counting breast CT

Facilitated workflows for radiographers

rt radiologie technologie photon counting breast CT

Increasing strains on our healthcare systems and tightly scheduled examination slots are challenging the daily routines of radiographers. Even for the most experienced professionals it seems harder than ever to reconcile quality of examination with much-needed empathic patient communication.

Digging into impactful trends and innovations, German radiographers’ magazine radiologie technologie latest issue (3/2022, Sept. 2022) investigates the way photon counting CT technology is set to change the future of radiology – highlighting the clever potential of nu:view breast CT to facilitate fast, patient-centric breast examinations. Insightful read!

04-10-2022 / Erlangen


Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Thinking Pink – Thinking Women!

Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks breast cancer awareness month. The annual “pink ribbon” campaign aims to raise public awareness and educate about the cause, detection, and treatment of the disease.

With 2.3 million newly diagnosed cases each year, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women worldwide (1). While each new case is one too many, timely diagnosis followed up with appropriate treatment have generally shown a good prognosis in many cases. Taking early action can make a vital difference.

At AB-CT we are strongly committed to empower radiologists to diagnose breast cancer with confidence at the earliest possible stage, whilst taking into account the widespread wish of women around the globe for a compression-free examination.

Contact us to learn more. Together we can make a difference.

(1) WHO IARC news, published Sept 2022 (statistics from 2020)
Disclaimer: Product image has been digitally altered (pink patient table serves for illustration purposes only).

06-09-2022 / Erlangen


Study Results USZ Patient Comfort and Image Quality

Image quality and patient comfort assessment in nu:view

Study Results USZ Patient Comfort and Image Quality

As the first hospital with nu:view in clinical practice, the University Hospital Zurich recently published a study about the image quality, patient comfort and usability of nu:view breast CT.

Get all the details here: BREAST IMAGING| Volume 90, P50-58, October 01, 2022

29-07-2022 / Erlangen


Brust-CT - Mehr Sicherheit (RadMag)

Breast CT for more diagnostic confidence

Brust-CT - Mehr Sicherheit (RadMag)

From diagnostic workup of unclear findings, ruling out multicentricity for surgery planning to workflow-efficiency and patient-friendly examinations: radiologist and chair of the German Society of Radiology (DRG)’s Mamma Diagnostics committee, Prof Evelyn Wenkel, sees strong benefits in complementing the standard multimodal breast imaging portfolio with photon counting breast CT on the way to achieve more diagnostic confidence.

“In many cases of breast cancer, one could also perform a breast CT examination. It is a very precise modality; the system is very sensitive and you can be highly certain that there aren’t any further findings in the breast.“

Read the full nu:view user report in the latest RadMag “Women’s Health” special:

Mehr Sicherheit (RadMag, 2/2022; German language)

25-05-2022 / Erlangen


Breast CT at Science Night – A Huge Success

What a (science) night! For the first time ever, the University Hospital Erlangen opened their doors to present their breast CT to a broader, non-medical audience during the “Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften”. It was a huge success.

In a series of 30 minutes guided tours, senior radiologist and head of diagnostic and interventional breast diagnostics Prof. Evelyn Wenkel and radiologist Dr. Matthias Wetzl took the groups on an insightful journey through today’s challenges and possibilities of breast cancer diagnostics.

What a (science) night! For the first time ever, the University Hospital Erlangen opened their doors to present their breast CT to a broader, non-medical audience during the “Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften”. It was a huge success.

In a series of 30 minutes guided tours, senior radiologist and head of diagnostic and interventional breast diagnostics Prof. Evelyn Wenkel and radiologist Dr. Matthias Wetzl took the groups on an insightful journey through today’s challenges and possibilities of breast cancer diagnostics.

After a brief introduction to breast CT, visitors could try the lying position that patients take during an examination for themselves. The interactive experience was followed by a demonstration of selected clinical cases that showed where and how breast CT is used to help with breast cancer diagnostics.

“’Maybe benign’ doesn’t help the woman,” Dr. Wetzl pointed out. What patients need is a diagnosis that’s as reliable possible, as quick as possible. The high-resolution 3D images are also used to determine the size of a tumour – relevant to make an informed decision whether full breast removal is necessary or if the route for breast-conserving surgical treatment can be taken.

Thank you very much to Prof. Wenkel and Dr. Wetzl for this informative insight behind the scenes, and to all visitors for their interest. We genuinely value such positive feedback.

Read more Show less

09-05-2022 / Erlangen


AI solutions for breast CT in DIEurope

Artificial Intelligence solutions for breast CT

AI solutions for breast CT in DIEurope

AB-CT featuring @b-rayZ: Two breast health pioneers are combining their expertise in a project to the benefit of breast cancer patients and breast specialists.

The goal was the development of an AI platform for automatic analysis of spiral breast CT datasets in terms of image quality, glandular density, and detection of suspicious or cancerous lesions.

This Diagnostic Imaging Europe article not only explains the benefits of breast CT compared to standard examination methods, but highlights how AI can be integrated game changing into the examination process to improve workflow efficiency and overall patient care.

AB-CT featuring @b-rayZ: Two breast health pioneers are combining their expertise in a project to the benefit of breast cancer patients and breast specialists.

The goal was the development of an AI platform for automatic analysis of spiral breast CT datasets in terms of image quality, glandular density, and detection of suspicious or cancerous lesions.

This Diagnostic Imaging Europe article not only explains the benefits of breast CT compared to standard examination methods, but highlights how AI can be integrated game changing into the examination process to improve workflow efficiency and overall patient care.

Source: DIEurope (Spring 2022), p. 26-27.

Read more Show less

07-04-2022 / Erlangen


breast CT study result

nu:view Breast CT: “… a promising technique for cancer detection and staging”

breast CT study result

In this recently published study, the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) confirmed a high contrast between breast cancer and the surrounding glandular tissue.

Therefore nu:view breast CT is considered “a promising technique for cancer detection and staging depicting both ST lesions and microcalcifications, which is a substantial advantage over breast MRI.”

Get all the details at Investigative Radiology (payment required).

31-01-2022 / Erlangen


AI in spiral breast CT to classify breast density

The potential of AI to classify breast density in spiral breast CT

AI in spiral breast CT to classify breast density

The University Hospital Zurich (USZ) evaluated in a study the potential of machine learning algorithm to accurately classify parenchymal density in spiral breast CT, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the form of a deep convolutional neural network (dCNN).

The results are groundbreaking: AI in form of deep learning can be used to grade breast density accurately and reliably in a Breast CT examination, allowing for standardized decision-making, improving the workflow, and increasing its clinical applicability.

Read the full article: Diagnostics 2022, 12(1), 181

16-12-2021 / Erlangen


Breast CT study results

Study results confirm: Patients experience high comfort for breast CT

Breast CT study results

Patients confirm a significant decrease in pain and discomfort compared to mammography – especially in pre-menopausal women. Survey data amongst radiologists and radiology technicians also shows high anatomical breast coverage and a user-friendly clinical workflow.

Read the latest study results from the University Hospital Erlangen in cooperation with the University Hospital RWTH Aachen about the “Potential of spiral breast computed tomography to increase patient comfort compared to DM”, in European Journal of Radiology, Volume 145, December 2021 (prospective study with 79 patients)

Although you will need access permission to read the full version, the abstract sums up very well the key results.

26-11-2021 / Erlangen


Photon Counting Breast CT

nu:view – Pioneering Photon-Counting CT

Photon Counting Breast CT

Photon-counting CT is currently making big headlines. But did you know AB-CT has been pioneering photon-counting CT in clinical practice since 2018?

Time to check out the archives

… and get familiar with the latest scientific evidence from nu:view breast CT in clinical routine:

Photon-counting CT is currently making big headlines. But did you know AB-CT has been pioneering photon-counting CT in clinical practice since 2018?

Time to check out the archives

… and get familiar with the latest scientific evidence from nu:view breast CT in clinical routine:

Or learn more about nu:view’s cutting-edge breast imaging technology in this video:

Read more Show less

24-11-2021 / Erlangen


German Medical Award Imaging

nu:view customer receives German Medical Award 2021

German Medical Award Imaging

Last week, nu:view customer and radiology practice MVZ Prof. Dr. Uhlenbrock und Partner received the prestigeous GERMAN MEDICAL AWARD 2021 (category: Imaging) for bringing value-added innovations into practice, including their early-adopter role with breast CT.

“I am proud and honoured to receive this distinction. It underlines our philosophy to bring innovative and progressive solutions into clinical routine for the benefit of our patients”, says laureate Dr. Karsten Ridder. The high-resolution 3D images, low x-ray dose and high patient comfort without breast compression of nu:view breast CT provide an excellent addition to the diagnostic toolset and offer new ways for interdisciplinary collaboration for breast cancer patients: “A genuinely fantastic modality.”

21-10-2021 / Erlangen


Breast CT enters the Netherlands

pijnloos borstonderzoek – nu:view goes Netherlands

Breast CT enters the Netherlands

It’s been only last week since the first nu:view patient scan in the Netherlands, but the Leiden University Medical Center’s (LUMC) latest addition is already making big headlines.

Countless newspapers, TV and magazines have been reporting about compression-free breast imaging. The LUMC’s social media channels are full with likes and positive comments from women. Equally positive first feedback from the hospital radiologists on the high-resolution 3D images: “This is really amazing.“

Dear Netherlands, bedankt! Laten we de toekomst veranderen. (Thank you! Let´s change the future).

It’s been only last week since the first nu:view patient scan in the Netherlands, but the Leiden University Medical Center’s (LUMC) latest addition is already making big headlines.

Countless newspapers, TV and magazines have been reporting about compression-free breast imaging. The LUMC’s social media channels are full with likes and positive comments from women. Equally positive first feedback from the hospital radiologists on the high-resolution 3D images: “This is really amazing.“

Dear Netherlands, bedankt! Laten we de toekomst veranderen. (Thank you! Let´s change the future.)

More information

LUMC press release: Pijnloos borstonderzoek? LUMC start onderzoek met alternatief mammogram

Medical Devices community: LUMC starts research with alternative painless mammogram

RTL Niews (TV) (LUMC breast CT min. #17:35 – #19:30)

LINDA.nl

Mf medicalfacts

Leidsch Dagblad

You don´t understand Dutch? No problem. You’ll get a brief impression of the content, even using Google translator.

Read more Show less

25-08-2021 / Erlangen


Breast-CT Press release

Breast CT: New modality with a lot of potential

Breast-CT Press release

“Another new modality. We’ve only been introduced to tomosynthesis a few years ago. MRI hasn’t fully been established yet either. Is this really necessary?” With this provocative question, Prof. Dr. Evelyn Wenkel, senior radiologist at the Institute of Radioloy of the University Hospital Erlangen opened her presentation during the 25th International Training Course “Moderne Mammadiagnostik und -therapie” – and was referring to breast CT.

Learn what experiences the radiologists at the University Hospital Erlangen have gained with nu:view so far, and why breast CT might actually become a real alternative to the conventional breast imaging modalities.

Full press release for download (PDF, German language):
Mammadiagnostik: Ist das Brust-CT eine Alternative?

08-07-2021 / Erlangen


Interview article: Breast CT in women with breast implants

New Diagnostic Imaging Europe nu:view user interview!

This time, it’s with Prof. Andreas Boss, Senior Consultant responsible for breast imaging at the University Hospital Zurich and longest-standing nu:view user since 2018, who speaks about the way the system is used in an opportunistic screening setting in the Swiss canton of Zurich, and his findings on the examination of patients with implants in particular. Informative read (3 pages)!

Download the full interview here:
Breast CT in women with breast implants (Diagnostic Imaging Europe, June 2021) (PDF)

 

 

New Diagnostic Imaging Europe nu:view user interview!

This time, it’s with Prof. Andreas Boss, Senior Consultant responsible for breast imaging at the University Hospital Zurich and longest-standing nu:view user since 2018, who speaks about the way the system is used in an opportunistic screening setting in the Swiss canton of Zurich, and his findings on the examination of patients with implants in particular. Informative read (3 pages)!

Download the full interview here:
Breast CT in women with breast implants (Diagnostic Imaging Europe, June 2021) (PDF)

“In one patient extensive calcifications were found in the capsule fibrosis, and was best detected in breast-CT. In the surrounding glandular breast tissue, we were able to show that both microcalcifications and soft tissue lesions can be detected, which justifies the use of breast-CT in patients with breast implants not just for diagnostic and screening purposes, but also for follow-up examinations after breast cancer.”

„There are typically two complications associated with silicone implants, namely rupture and capsule fibrosis. Both show typical patterns in breast-CT. In case of rupture, the so-called “linguine signs” which are caused by the broken elastomeric casing of the implant can be clearly seen. […] Capsule fibrosis is the other common problem of silicone implants, and is caused by a foreign body reaction of the surrounding tissue. Often, capsule fibroses show calcifications, which can only be visualized using breast-CT. […]“

“We receive excellent feedback from those patients, with more than 90% expressing positive acceptance of the new technique. Because of this we have a growing number of women referred to us for breast-CT.”

“To summarize our experience with breast-CT in patients with silicone implants and its role in a regimen using supplemental ultrasound in patients with dense breasts we found that it is a breast imaging modality of high accuracy and with a radiation dose similar to mammography. With its many advantages over alternative imaging modalities, breast-CT has the potential to become the modality of choice for both breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging.”

Read more Show less

Contact

AB-CT – Advanced Breast-CT GmbH
Henkestrasse 91
91052 Erlangen
Germany

Phone: +49 9131 97310 0
Fax: +49 9131 97310 10
Mail: info [at] ab-ct.com

Get in touch

Youtube
LinkedIn