About the EquiScan ESP

EquiScan Equine Scintigraphy Positioner (ESP)

What is Equine Scintigraphy?

Scintigraphy is a diagnostic technique based on the detection of radiation emitted by radioactive substances injected into the body. Detectors in the form of collimated gamma “cameras”, and software and computer systems for image acquisition and handling are readily available from a number of suppliers.

Equine Scintigraphy makes use of the same detection systems and software as is used for human imaging but because of the size and disposition of the equine patient and the weight and size of the detector, up to 500kg, the manipulation of the detector around the body of the horse presents unique challenges.

PFP Tech's EquiScan ESP

PFP Technologies, specialists in the design and manufacture of robotic machinery, have developed a world first in terms of advanced detector positioning. Our EquiScan Equine Scintigraphy Positioner (ESP) uses sophisticated multi-axis motion control and machine tool grade components to allow effortless and precise positioning of the detector for even the most challenging of shots such as full pelvic scans.

The EquiScan ESP is the only positioning system which incorporates interpolation, or the ability to move any combination or all of the 6 axes at the same time. This allows fast, smooth and continuous movement across three dimensional space at a single command.

Machine Concept
The ESP machine in its most basic form is a heavy-duty overhead gantry-style crane structure. It has 6 axes (or directions of motion) that can be moved to position the camera to the desired location in 3-dimensional space. There are 3 linear axes (namely X, Y and Z) and 3 rotary axes (namely A, B and C). Each of these axes are controlled by servo motors and a high-performance motion-controller (equipment typically found in the latest robots and production machinery).
 
The doors on the floor pit are also controlled and monitored by the ESP machine. These doors are driven by pneumatic (air controlled) cylinders. The air compressor that drives the cylinders is located underneath the stair well outside of the camera room. All other ESP devices are located within the camera room. 

The operators control the machine via a pendant hanging from the main moving stem and/or via an industrial computer running WindowsXP and a specifically written program called EspOI (Equine Scintigraphy Positioner Operator Interface). A standard PC keyboard and track-pad are located on a slide-out draw mounted to the bottom of the main electrical enclosure. Typically the pendant and the touch-screen on the PC monitor are all that is required to control the machine.

It's Programmable!

Even more exciting is the unique programmability of the EquiScan ESP system. Commonly used positions can be stored as executable programs and selected simply and easily from the easy to use computer interface. Once the detector has been moved to the general area of the desired position, the final fine adjustments to the position can be made using the convenient handheld pendant, allowing quick and effortless positioning to within millimeters of the patient.

Under the hoof and fetlock images don’t present any problems to the EquiScan ESP. An optional feature can allow the system to be linked to an intricate array of pneumatically operated pit doors which, at a simple command from the computer interface, can be remotely opened and closed to allow the detector to be placed inside the pit, facing upwards and completely enclosed, for under hoof imaging. A similar routine allows the camera to be partially lowered into the pit for fetlock shots. And that’s not all – these entire sequences have been incorporated into easy-to-select programs! For more details, see the software section.

PFP Tech’s EquiScan ESP system can be used with most existing detectors and imaging capture software. Through our partnerships with leading suppliers of scintigraphy systems PFP Tech can also supply a complete turnkey system.

The innovative, safe and flexible EquiScan ESP, the only equine scintigraphy positioning system which offers full multi-axis motion control of 6 axes and full programmability. Contact us today at +61 8 9249 4542 or esp@pfptech.com.au to arrange for a consultation.

EquiScan ESPOI Software          Safety Considerations          EquiScan Video