The first Chinese-developed phased array computed tomography device began its clinical trial at Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital to screen and study 400 early lung cancer cases.

The clinical trial will also be used to set a benchmark for early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, according to its developer, Beijing-based Nanovision Technology.

"This advanced CT machine can capture early lung cancer indications with micron-level resolution ratios, which current devices miss. It can help with the diagnosis of early lung cancer and the overall management of the disease. We are enthusiastic to accelerate the device's widespread use through this experiment," said Dr Yan Fuhua, director of Ruijin Hospital's radiology department.

The cutting-edge medical equipment with over 220 patents uses a revolutionary imaging technology to improve clarity and reduce radiation. By switching from a mechanical rotating system to an electronically controlled full-ring detector array, a scattered X-ray source array, and carefully timed pulse exposures, the machine speeds up CT scans and enhances image quality.

According to Cao Hongguang, head scientist at Nanovision, the technology provides ultra-high-definition imaging while reducing radiation by half.