Founded in 2015, KA Imaging has emerged from the University of Waterloo as a pivotal force in advancing X-ray technology both within Canada and globally. The company, born from the visionary minds of Waterloo alumni Amol Karnick (BASc ’95), the late Sina Ghanbarzadeh (MASc ’14), and Dr. Karim Karim (BASc ’99, PhD ’03), embarked on a mission to innovate X-ray imaging technologies for significant societal impact.

Currently, KA Imaging employs over 50 people and markets its advanced products across three continents in 10 countries. Dr. Karim, who also serves as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Waterloo and the Chief Technology Officer at KA Imaging, emphasized the company’s directive: “We’re integrating cutting-edge X-ray technologies into existing healthcare and market infrastructures to enhance diagnostic practices.”

In 2020, a major breakthrough came when KA Imaging secured a medical device license and FDA approval for the Reveal 35C, a dual-energy X-ray detector. This innovation has allowed the company to broaden the reach of its portable, cost-effective, and high-quality alternative to conventional X-ray systems.

Dr. Karim elaborated on the technological advancements of the Reveal 35C, explaining how it employs spectral X-ray data intrinsic to the X-ray beam to differentiate materials like calcium and water. This capability extends beyond traditional X-rays, providing enhanced clarity and separation of soft tissues from calcified structures without bone interference.

“This device is a game changer,” Dr. Karim stated. “It can often eliminate the need for CT scans. Typically, unclear X-ray results would necessitate a CT scan, but the spectral technology in the Reveal 35C reveals more details, potentially helping patients avoid further scans, which is especially crucial in regions with limited healthcare access.”

Recently, KA Imaging formed partnerships with Kenya Kids Foundation Canada and Hope International to introduce the Reveal 35C to Village Hope Hospital in Kenya, far from Nairobi. This initiative has enabled more accurate and accessible diagnostics, reducing the need for patients to travel extensively or incur high costs for additional imaging.

During his visit to Kenya, Dr. Karim noted the significant impact of the Reveal 35C, which diagnosed six tuberculosis cases in a week and was instrumental in detecting various bone fractures and diagnosing pneumonia across different rural healthcare settings.

Dr. Karim is optimistic about the future role of the Reveal 35C, noting its distinction as the first portable detector incorporating spectral X-ray technology. He anticipates this will dramatically enhance healthcare delivery by reducing dependency on CT scans, thereby cutting costs and improving patient care directly at the bedside.

“As the medical field continues to evolve towards more mobile solutions, KA Imaging is dedicated to pushing the limits of diagnostic technology,” Dr. Karim concluded, “ensuring that high-quality patient care can be delivered directly at the bedside, wherever it’s needed.”