Improved CT System Provides Simplified Data Collection and Lower Radiation Dose

A new computed tomography (CT) system provides improved raw data analysis and enables high-quality, simplified data collection.

Researchers from the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen-German Research Center for Environmental Health (Munich, Germany), together with investigators from the University of Oregon (Eugene, USA), have developed a new image reconstruction system for CT that produces greater image quality at a lower radiation dose compared with standard systems. With the help of the company Ascenion, GmbH (Munich, Germany), a licensing agreement has been closed with Yxlon International Group Holding, GmbH (Hattingen, Germany), a developer of industrial X-ray and computed tomography systems for non-destructive material testing. Yxlon will use and market the new system exclusively for commercial applications in material testing. The German Research Center for Environmental Health and the University of Oregon receive a down payment and a share of future sales revenue.

The novel reconstruction algorithm ensures significantly more efficient removal of artifacts and background noise compared with standard methods to date. "This could, for example, increase air safety,” explained Dr. Hoeschen, head of the Working Group Medical Physics at the German Research Center for Environmental Health. "The system is even able to recognize microcracks in highly stressed components, for example, rotating elements in aircraft turbines.” Moreover, the greater efficiency will accelerate material testing. Gas pipelines, for example, would not have to be closed down as long for testing. Finally, the reduced radiation dose increases the lifespan of CT equipment, thereby reducing costs.

The signing of the contract concluded one year of collaboration between Yxlon and researchers of the German Research Center for Environmental Health in which the system was evaluated and the foundations of a close future collaboration were laid. The partners plan to test various industrial applications and develop them for the market. "This reconstruction system has the potential to broaden the use of computer tomography for industrial X-ray testing and take it a standard procedure in the middle term,” stated Dr. Joseph Kosanetzky, CEO Yxlon International.

"We are delighted to have Yxlon on board as a market leader in industrial material testing,” stated Dr. Sigrid Scheek, technology manager at Ascenion, GmbH. "The completed contract with Yxlon is just the first step of our marketing strategy. We are now concentrating on the field of medical diagnostics and are in talks with a number of parties.”

With 140 million CT examinations per year, there is much interest in this new system. It could cut costs considerably while maintaining image quality at about half the current radiation exposure for patients.


Related Links:
Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen-German Research Center for Environmental Health
University of Oregon
Ascenion