declipseSPECT Technology

declipseSPECT enables for the first time worldwide intra-operative 3-D reconstruction of radioactivity distribution based on handheld gamma probes. This solution extends the services of nuclear medicine from diagnostic purposes towards localization and guidance during interventions, providing an innovative and powerful tool for quality assurance in radio guided surgery. declipseSPECT enables minimally invasive resection procedures thanks to its 3-D imaging properties and ensures high quality standards during procedure in three dimensions.

Freehand SPECT imaging

declipseSPECT is a SPECT imaging device based on a handheld gamma probe. In contrast to traditional SPECT imaging solution, declipseSPECT does not rely on a gantry mounted gamma camera rotating around the patient, but a handheld gamma probe extended by a 3-D tracking system. A scan of 2-3min around the patient from anterior-posterior and lateral directions enables a 3-D reconstruction of the radioactive distribution.

Used Radionuclides

declipseSPECT supports all low energy radionuclides. Tc99m, which is currently the most commonly used radionuclide for SLN imaging, is generating full 3-D images with a resolution of 5mm in all three dimensions up to 10cm from the surface.

3-D Tracking and Navigation

An optical infra-red camera ensures precise localization of patient and gamma probe in space. It enables a reconstruction in the same coordinate system as well as registration-free navigation, i.e. showing correlation of the imaging date with respect to any surgical instrument.

In-situ Visualization and Anatomical Correlation

An integrated video camera provides a direct correlation of the 2-D projection images (gamma camera images) onto the optical image. This innovative technology of augmented reality enables direct referencing and visualization of the activity onto the patient. The advantage over standard monitor based image viewing is the direct overlay and anatomical correlation for intuitive orientation. Thus any surgical instrument or pointer can be used and no radioactive pointer is needed for anatomical references.