3DCERAM-SINTO ceramics AM technology used to develop next gen X-ray imaging
As part of the NEXIS European Project H2020
3DCERAM-SINTO‘s advanced ceramics 3D printing technology will be used in the European project H2020 NEXIS to develop the next generation of X-ray imaging systems. The project, dubbed NEXIS (Next Generation X-ray Imaging System) consists in a photonics driven breakthrough in image quality and functionality of an interventional X-ray system that will allow performing stroke diagnosis directly in the interventional suite. This could have a significant impact in terms of enhanced workflows, reduced diagnosis & treatment time (up to 50% time reduction) saving more lives and reducing healthcare costs.
As part of the NEXIS research program, the 3DCERAM-SINTO team is building a detector part of this device that can diagnose and enable doctors to react quicker in the operating room. To optimize spectral imaging, the NEXIS project will provide imaging with enhanced contrast, while maintaining high spatial resolution through an innovative X-ray spectral detector combined with specific image processing.The usability and applicability of the new spectral NEXIS X-ray system for stroke imaging will be clinically evaluated in the Karolinska University Hospital, in Sweden, a top-rated facility.
NEXIS will establish enhanced contrast Cone Beam CT imaging while keeping high spatial resolution for 2D image guidance by an innovative spectral X-ray detector and related advanced image processing (including deep learning). New key photonic components will be developed to realize a novel detector showing high-end performance for both spectral and non-spectral X-ray imaging.
The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium involving the entire value chain (photonics, R&D, medical systems, application owner, component supply chain and equipment manufacturer). Along with the French-Japanese ceramics 3D printing company, two universities – TNO and KU Leuven – are also involved. Both have conducted significant research in additive manufacturing. This project will allow key players in the European industry of medical photonics to generate sales and remain competitive by providing a new mode of imaging X-ray with production within the European Union. NEXIS will strengthen European competitiveness by developing detector technology that meets the needs of the European and global X-ray imaging market.
“Our selection in the consortium is the recognition of the excellence in our technology and our strategy of innovation conducted for the past 17 years,” commented Richard Gaignon, CEO of 3DCERAM-SINTO This pushed us to be the world leader in 3D ceramic printing, from the design of the parts to the manufacturing stage. This partnership with Europe’s leading researchers is a great opportunity to advance science and deliver the best of 3D ceramic printing technologies to medical research at a level never before achieved.”
In this project, 3DCERAM-SINTO, a recognized player in the biomedical sector with the production of bio-ceramic cranial implants (among other ceramics-AM-related activties), is responsible for the manufacture of scintillators by 3D printing. The parts of the detector will be manufactured using 3DCERAM-SINTO’s newest industrial printer the C900 FLEX, in Limoges. By leveraging this advanced and highly accurate ceramics AM technology, it will be possible to significantly accelerate the design of this extraordinary medical imaging project.
