Hitachi awaits news on nuclear options

Food and Drug Administration clearance is imminent for several advanced gamma camera options developed by Hitachi Medical Systems America. The Twinsburg, OH, vendor has already received 510(k) clearance for a 5/8-inch crystal option, and is awaiting the agency’s word on nonuniform attenuation correction and coincidence detection options, according to Gary Enos, general manager of the unit.

The upgrades are Hitachi’s final touches that will make its premium SpectraDigital V250DSP camera a full-featured system capable of high-energy imaging. Hitachi will highlight the options at next month’s Society of Nuclear Medicine meeting in Los Angeles.

Hitachi will also have its hands full explaining the nuclear medicine unit’s direction in light of the company’s new relationship with ADAC Laboratories of Milpitas, CA. Earlier this month, Hitachi announced that it would halt development of new gamma cameras in favor of distributing ADAC systems in Japan (SCAN 5/12/99). Hitachi is reviewing its nuclear business in light of the ADAC relationship, Enos said.