Medical treatment technology, Diagnostic technology

# Development of X-ray CT device with small irradiation field for dental and head and neck treatment

## Life Sciences

Keyword: X-ray CT, Dental, Ear/Nose/Throat

Dr. Yoshinori Arai, Nihon University Lecturer and Guest Professor at Matsumoto Dental University

Organizations Involved

○ Mr. Ryuichiro Morita, President, J. Morita Mfg Corp

○ Dr. Katsue Kojima, Director,

Nihon University Business, Research and Intellectual Property Center(NUBIC)

【Abstract】 The Department of Radiology of Nihon University School of Dentistry has developed a compact X-ray CT device designed specifically for use in dental treatment applications. Under the terms of a technology transfer agreement set up with J. Morita Mfg Corp via NUBIC, the device was developed as a marketable product and defined as a new pharmaceutical category by the former Ministry of Health and Welfare. The first manufacturing approval was obtained and the product was duly launched on the market. The new X-ray CT technology has attracted considerable acclaim from universities in Europe and the US because it limits radiation exposure and is user-friendly, and has considerably enhanced the quality of medical services.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

X-ray exposure is just 1/30 of conventional CT medical imaging systems, yet the device is still capable of generating high-resolution images for dental and ear/nose/throat treatment. The device takes up a fraction of the space of conventional CT imaging systems, and is suitable for dental and ear/nose/throat clinics of all sizes.

As a result of these improvements, the benefits of 3-D imaging are now readily accessible in the field of dental and ear/nose/throat X-ray diagnosis.

## Market Impact

Sales growth has continued to increase both at home and abroad since the product was launched in FY2001. As of FY2006, the product has a 40% share of the domestic market.

## ●Social Impact

The device has considerably boosted safety standards in advanced medical procedures such as cochlear and other implants.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

Applications of the device in other fields include a CT imaging system for small animals, developed with the approval of the company which is the joint patent applicant and patent holder. Following their transfer to a different university, the inventors were unable to patent the device in different fields; however, the underlying patent can be licensed out to promote use of this technology in other fields.

## Project Background

J. Morita Mfg Corp has been involved in joint pure research programs with Nihon University for over 20 years. The process was accelerated by legislative reforms in 1998 that facilitated technology transfer.

## Funding History

1996-1999 Ministry of Education

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research

1997-1999 Kinki Bureau of International Trade and Industry

New industry technology development subsidies

## I ntellectual property protection

Patents Issued: Japan2, Overseas7

"X-ray computed tomography method and system: US-6289074" et al.

Patent Applications Filed: Japan11, Overseas13

"Image processing method and computer-readable recording medium containing image processing program: US-20070009144" et al.

Dr.Arai

Mr. Morita

Dr.Kojima

## 3 DX MULTI-IMAGE MICRO CT

The X-ray CT device uses an irradiation interval of just 18 seconds and reduces X-ray exposure by 30 times compared to conventional large CT systems for medical applications. It is far superior to conventional systems at generating detailed slice images at any angle for monitoring hard tissue afflictions in the head and neck such as implants, temporomandibular disorder, impacted tooth and apical lesions.

## Turning point in the Project

The research and development program was able to continue without interruption thanks to joint research with industry augmented by funding from within the university and competitive funding such as a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research. The university as a whole also provided critical support for the considerable volume of data needed to support the establishment of the new pharmaceutical category.