MARS photon-counting CT imaging comes to Christchurch
Reform Radiology is proud to become the first clinical imaging provider in the world to introduce the MARS Extremity Imaging System into routine clinical practice, bringing advanced New Zealand-developed photon-counting CT technology to patients and referrers in Christchurch.
The new portable CT scanner will form part of Reform Radiology’s specialist musculoskeletal imaging service, providing high-resolution 3D imaging of the upper extremities, including the hand, wrist and elbow.
Developed by Christchurch-based MARS Bioimaging, the MARS Extremity Imaging System uses advanced photon-counting CT technology to provide highly detailed imaging of complex anatomy. The system delivers sub-0.1 mm resolution and enables detailed visualisation of bone, cartilage, soft tissue, blood vessels and metallic implants.
For clinicians, this additional imaging detail can support the diagnosis and assessment of complex musculoskeletal conditions, surgical planning, fracture healing and the evaluation of orthopaedic implants.
Bringing world-leading imaging to Christchurch
For Reform Radiology General Manager Paul Mouthaan, introducing the technology reflects Reform’s commitment to bringing leading-edge imaging capabilities to patients and clinicians across the South Island.
“Reform Radiology has always sought to bring new leading-edge imaging capabilities and services to patients across the South Island. We’re delighted to once again introduce an important new imaging technology that simply hasn’t been available before in a community imaging setting.
“It’s particularly rewarding that this world first is happening here in Christchurch, giving patients in our region access to advanced photon-counting CT technology close to home.
“Having trialled and supported development of MARS Bioimaging’s imaging technology within our practice, we’ve seen the value it can bring to clinicians and patients. We’re excited to become the first clinical customer and reference site for the MARS Extremity Imaging System.”
Reform will work closely with its referring network of hand surgeons, specialists, general practitioners, physiotherapists and hand therapists as the technology becomes part of clinical practice.
A new level of detail for musculoskeletal imaging
Reform Radiologist Thomas Moritz says the technology is particularly well suited to imaging the complex anatomy of the hand and wrist.
“The spatial resolution this system provides is excellent for imaging the intricate bony and soft tissue anatomy of the hand and wrist. It gives us high-quality detail that supports our assessment of complex injuries in this region, and we look forward to building our clinical experience with the system.”
Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon Dr Fiona Timms, from The Hand and Wrist Centre, has already seen the technology used with patients during MARS Bioimaging’s scientific trials.
“A number of my patients have already had imaging as part of MARS’s scientific trial during its development. The scanner provides excellent imaging, particularly of bony anatomy, and allows for 3D imaging reconstruction.
“The resolution between bone and metal implants is particularly good, allowing assessment of bony union as well as early metal failure.
“The new MARS Extremity Imaging System going into Reform Radiology is even more comfortable and easier for our patients as it’s much quicker and allows imaging from the elbow to the wrist, which will expand its use. I am looking forward to working with the team at Reform to continue trying to improve my patients’ journey and outcomes, and the MARS scanner will be part of this.”
Developed here in Christchurch
The installation is also an important milestone for MARS Bioimaging. The company was founded in Christchurch and has spent many years developing its photon-counting CT technology.
The Reform installation is the first clinical deployment worldwide of the MARS Extremity Imaging System following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance in March 2026.
MARS Bioimaging Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Ojas Mahapatra says seeing the technology enter routine clinical practice represents a major milestone.
“We’re especially proud that our first clinical installation is here in Christchurch, where MARS Bioimaging was founded and where this technology has been developed over many years. Reform Radiology is the ideal inaugural clinical customer and will serve as a global reference site as we expand internationally.”
The system uses photon-counting detector technology originally developed through particle physics research at CERN. Its compact design allows advanced CT imaging to be delivered in community imaging centres and specialist healthcare settings rather than being limited to large hospital environments.
For Reform Radiology, the arrival of the MARS Extremity Imaging System is another step in providing patients and referrers with access to advanced diagnostic imaging technology here in Canterbury.
More information about access to MARS Extremity Imaging at Reform Radiology, including referral pathways and clinical indications, will be available soon.
