Transcript Computed Tomography Machines

Computed Axial
Tomography Machines
By: Jay Patel
BME 181
Professor: Ming Liu
What is a CAT Scan?
It is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure that combines
the use of X-rays and computer processing to generate
tomographic (‘slices’) of the area scanned
Four classifications of the types of scans:
-Abdominal
-Bone
-Head
-Vascular
Present-Day CAT Scan Machine
Background
Was formally introduced in 1972 by a British engineer Sir
Godfrey Hounsfield
The first scan was done in 1971, of the brain
Physicist Allan Cormack also invented a similar machine in
the United States
Both Cormack and Hounsfield were awarded the Nobel
Prize in 1979
First clinical scanners were installed in 1974
Was a revolutionary invention in terms of medical imaging
Notable Advancements
First invented scanners were only dedicated to head imaging
Full body CAT scan machines were not widely available
until 1980
Over the years, scan speeds have drastically increased going
from a few hours to just minutes
The resolution of the scanned images are 16x better
Improved designs of the machines allow all the ‘slices’ to be
put together so the image is continuous
Procedure for Scan
Depending on the type of scan, you may not be allowed to
eat/drink a few hours prior to scan
Wear comfortable clothing or a gown will be provided
All metal and electronic possessions that can be removed
must be removed
Intravenous contrast (if necessary) is injected into patient
Patient is then asked to lay on the machine platform, and
aligned
How it Functions
Image from Scan
Limitations/Considerations
Cost: Ranges from $250-5000+
Restriction on number of exams in a given period of time
Women who are pregnant, generally are discouraged from
having a CAT scan performed
Risk of getting cancer
Intravenous or oral contrast can be uncomfortable
Future: Decrease the time needed for scan/Decrease the
amount of radiation required for scan
References
http://melissaheart.blogspot.com/2011/04/cat-scandangers.html - 4/18/13
https://blogs.lsc.edu/dalagest/files/2009/02/ctscan.jpg
- 4/18/13
http://www.dydent.com/ctscanhistory.htm - 4/18/13
http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/brief-history-of-ct
- 4/19/13
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray_computed_tomography
- 4/19/13
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct
- 4/19/13