Alliance to Evaluate Area-Detector CT Scanning

Collaborating with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH; Boston, MA, USA), Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany) has developed a prototype area-detector computed tomography (CT) system on the Somatom Sensation CT gantry, which uses two-dimensional digital flat panel detector technology.

Possible applications for volumetric CT scanning are being assessed at MGH with this prototype system. The CT system features volume coverage of 18 cm with up to 768 CT slices per rotation. When fully developed, this technology has the potential of providing a unique window on human anatomy and physiology. For instance, using volume CT, a clinician could directly visualize the trabecular structure of bone, dynamic contrast uptake of tumor tissue, composition of atherosclerotic plaque in the vascular system and coronary arteries, and microcirculation of the cardiac muscle.

"With the advent of these systems, volume scanning would become feasible, possibly opening up a whole spectrum of new applications such as functional or volume perfusion studies,” remarked Dr. Rajiv Gupta, director, Volume CT Lab, MGH. Increased volume coverage is possible with the introduction of area detectors large enough to cover entire organs, such as the brain or heart, in one rotation. The newly developed volume CT prototype system is designed to be suitable for in-vitro imaging of specimens, as well as in-vivo imaging of large animals, and eventually, human research.

"Area-detector technology has the potential to introduce important future pathways of CT application. We are honored to be working with MGH to explore the advantages of this groundbreaking approach and state-of-the-art 64-slice CT technology within a comprehensive basic and clinical research program,” stated Dr. Bernd Ohnesorge, vice president, global CT marketing and sales, Siemens.

In the near future, area-detector CT systems will provide true volume CT scanning, and may represent a significant step for CT technology beyond the capabilities of current multi-slice scanners, both in scan speed and anatomic coverage.




Related Links:
Massachusetts General Hospital
Siemens Medical Solutions