Micro-X’s first 3D images from micro Head CT scanner

Cold cathode X-ray manufacturer Micro-X has announced its Head CT test bench has successfully generated CT images as part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) programme to develop a stroke imager capable of being transported by first responders.

The images generated from Micro-X’s world-first miniature carbon fibre X-ray nanotube array show clinical detail and visualisation of brain anatomy for the first time.

The images open the way for the company to receive a $500,000 progress payment from the MRFF and for Micro-X to begin manufacture of hospital test benches enabling ethics approval application and progress towards human clinical trials.

Micro-X Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Hall said: “The significance of this achievement in developing a world-first mobile Head CT device should not be underestimated.

“The value of this technology goes beyond head imaging, enabling future opportunities including the next generation of full body CT imaging.

“We are committed to our purpose of creating revolutionary X-ray imaging that betters lives, and today’s achievement is another step forward in delivering on our promise.”

The Micro-X images (pictured) show the skull and soft tissue structure of the brain of an anthropomorphic head phantom, detail of the sulci, ventricles and vascular anatomy in the supratentorial compartment.

The company is now building hospital test benches that will support an application to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Ethics Committee, with human clinical trials planned to commence in early 2025.

The Micro-X Head CT consists of a world-first array of Micro-X proprietary mini tubes, a novel curved detector, a rapid high-voltage switching control system and Micro-X’s compact high-voltage generator.

Micro-X has developed advanced high-voltage switching electronics that turn the mini-tube cathodes on and off in rapid succession at 100kV while the array is connected to Micro-X’s high-voltage generator.

CT images are reconstructed using an in-house image software framework and novel adaptive deep scatter estimation algorithms to generate three dimensional images.

This core technology underpins the development of Full Body CT for US Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) under contracts valued at $25 million announced this week.

Head CT opens up the pre-hospital point of care market for deployment in emergency response vehicles, as well as providing cost and space effective head CT imaging in Emergency Departments and neurological operating rooms.

Micro-X Chief Operating Officer Anthony Skeats, leader of the Head CT programme, said: “Achieving this milestone is the culmination of hard work, dedication and belief that Micro-X NEX Technology can deliver CT imaging that is accessible for all.

“In the last three years our team and partners have shown incredible collaboration and determination to show that our novel approach works.”

Picture:
Micro-X reveals $25m US contract to develop portable CT

Picture: Micro-X/Head CT images showing the skull and soft tissue structure of the brain