Digirad Corporation received FDA 510(K) clearance for its ergo large field-of-view, general-purpose portable imaging system last week.

The device is unique in that it is portable and open, unlike conventional general imaging cameras, which are tunneled and bulky, says Randy Weatherhead, Digirad's senior vice president of sales and marketing.

"[Ergo] represents the opportunity to not only have more a patient-friendly and higher-performance system, but to improve patient care for nuclear service by going to the patient," says Weatherhead.

This system is an upgrade to Digirad's previous camera, which was a small field-of-view camera with a view of 8 by 8 inches. The ergo large field-of-view camera is 12.25 by 15.5 inches.

"There is no other solid-state system with this large field of view," Weatherhead explains.

Digirad, a pioneer in solid-state technology, sees great potential in its new device, in both its design and portability. The solid-state technology uses semi-conductors instead of vacuum tube technology, allowing the equipment to be more lightweight and compact.

Most medical imaging technology has already migrated to a solid-state technology.

"Nuclear medicine is one of the last to hold out," Weatherhead says. "Most companies still design based on 50-year-old PMT [technology]."

Digirad finds that a device's ability to be portable can go a long way. In the case of general imaging for nuclear medicine, portability decreases costs and increases patient comfort. Patients no longer have to spend up to two hours on a hard imaging table in a tunneled device, says Weatherhead. The open design of the ergo device allows patients to be imaged lying on their cushioned stretcher.

A portable system increases a provider's means of revenue, as well.

"It generates new revenues [by expanding] services because there are patient opportunities on the floor, such as [imaging] isolation patients," says Weatherhead.

In addition to the nuclear department, other areas of application include the ICU, CCU, OR, ER, pediatrics, trauma units, patient floors, ambulatory services, women's health or research areas.

Digirad plans to make its first shipment in June, says Weatherhead.

"We're excited to expand our portfolio," he says.

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