CT Scanner Provides 320 Simultaneous Slices with Dynamic Processes and Volume in One Capture

A new dynamic volume computed tomography (CT) scanner is the first in the world to provide an anatomic coverage of 16 cm and 320 simultaneous slices. This innovation opens up a completely new dimension in the use of CT, while the expanded dynamic volume diagnosis makes it highly patient-oriented.

Having the ability to scan the entire organ, e.g., the heart, brain, or liver, in one rotation and thus in a fraction of a second, has now become reality for the first time with the Aquilion One dynamic volume CT, developed by Toshiba Medical Systems (Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.

The very low radiation exposure opens the way for applications in pediatric radiology, among other areas. In neurology, this system allows examination times to be shortened through volume acquisition, creates new possibilities by its capacity to analyze dynamic processes and thereby reduces diagnostic risk. Leading medical practitioners predict that the scanner will be especially useful in cardiology, as it allows the entire heart to be captured live in just one heartbeat. In particular, the speed and stability of heart imaging are crucial to obtaining an optimal workflow and the best results.

The system has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of diagnosis while at the same time reducing costs for the healthcare system. Whereas patients exhibiting symptoms of a heart attack or stroke have until now normally had to submit to a variety of examinations preparatory to a precise diagnosis, all of which together took up a considerable amount of time, with this scanner, this can now be decreased to a matter of minutes, and one single examination. Functional imaging can therefore be performed rapidly, with the least possible radiation and contrast dose combined with very high precision.

The Aquilion One makes it possible for the first time to represent organs in three dimensions, also enabling dynamic processes such as blood flow and function to be observed. The 16 cm of anatomic coverage using the parallel 320 ultra high-resolution 0.5-mm detector elements means that the Aquilion One, unlike previous CT scanners, can capture entire organs such as the heart and brain in just one rotation. This ability to carry out a complete examination in only 0.35 seconds eliminates the need to reconstruct data from several points in time, significantly enhancing diagnostic confidence.

The possibility of a uniquely comprehensive examination, including functional imaging, reduces the need for several additional and sometimes duplicative tests or invasive procedures. Because of this highly innovative technology, patients are spared unnecessary examinations, allowing costs to be reduced.


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