What is Computer-assisted Tomography?

Computer-assisted tomography is a diagnostic tool which uses x-rays to generate detailed images of "slices" of the body. In a CT scan, the patient lies still on a table while the x-ray source and sensors/detectors rotate around the patient, and the table moves horizontally. Thus, x-ray data is collected from multiple angles. Computers process the x-ray data in order to generate detailed, composite images of the relevant 'slices' of the body.

CT scans are safe—the radiation dose for a brain CT scan is comparable to the dose used for dental x-rays.

Because CT scans reveal the exact shape and location of soft tissues as well as bone, computed tomography is useful in diagnosing a number of conditions. CT scans can help diagnose:

• Tumors in internal organs, particularly brain tumors
• Brain hemorrhage
• Effects of head injury
• Infection of the brain, such as encephalitis

GE LightSpeed series multi-row sensor CT scanner

A multi-row spiral computer tomography (CT) scanner is a revolutionary medical imaging system. It’s the fastest CT scanner available, yet it produces superior images – far superior ro anything previously available. The QX/i (a common model in hospitals and medical imaging centers), can literally "freeze" motion for amazingly high quality 2D and 3D color images. Additional features include routine use of thin slices, full organ coverage in arterial phase, reduced contrast usage, and real-time image processing.

Benefits for Patients

• Breathing lights help patients remain motionless during scans
• Less time needed for breath-holds, resulting in less stress to the patient
• Greater flexibility (e.g., obtain thinner or thicker slices without rescanning the patient)
• Full CT Angiography coverage
• Better cross-sectional displays and 3D images
• Clear images improve patient diagnosis
• Fast, accurate scan times mean faster patient exams
• Captures heart images in a single breath-hold

Benefits for Doctors

• Full suite of applications to assist in examination of the head, abdomen, spine and chest.
• Variable-speed scanning--rotation speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 seconds, giving clinicians an unprecedented degree of control over procedures. Variable scan speeds allow clinicians to image patients with a variety of heart rates, giving doctors more control to meet a specific clinical need.
• Scans as fast as 0.5 seconds. Higher-speed scanning means clearer, sharper images with fewer artifacts caused by patient movement.
  
  To find out more on how CT Scan systems can help you, contact your local hospital or medical imaging center.