Title :
xCAT: A mobile, flat-panel volumetric X-ray CT for head and neck imaging
Author :
Zbijewski, Wojciech ; Stayman, J. Webster
Author_Institution :
Xoran Technol. Inc., Ann Arbor
fDate :
Oct. 26 2007-Nov. 3 2007
Abstract :
This paper discusses the design and imaging capabilities of xCAT, a mobile CT scanner aimed specifically at assisting surgical procedures of head and neck and for use in intensive care units. A high degree of compactness and portability has been achieved by utilizing large area flat-panel detectors, cone-beam imaging geometry and by careful mechanical and electrical design of the scanner. The system is powered up from standard electrical wall outlet, but can also be operated from a battery backup power source if needed. Furthermore, the scanner uses a flat-panel receptor capable of acquisition in the so called dual-gain mode [1], which significantly extends the effective dynamic range of the detector. As a result, improvements in the soft-tissue imaging capabilities over most of the currently available flat-panel detector cone-beam CT scanners have been achieved. This paper will discuss the design, data processing chain, patient´s dose and image quality metrics for this system. The first soft- tissue brain images of a living human subject obtained with this unit will also be presented.
Keywords :
biological tissues; brain; computerised tomography; dosimetry; flat panel displays; image resolution; neurophysiology; patient care; surgery; battery backup power source; cone-beam imaging geometry; dual-gain mode; flat-panel detector; head-neck imaging; image quality metrics; intensive care unit; mobile CT scanner; patient dose; scanner design; soft-tissue brain image; surgery; xCAT; Batteries; Computed tomography; Detectors; Dynamic range; Geometry; Head; Neck; Optical imaging; Surgery; X-ray imaging;
Conference_Titel :
Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record, 2007. NSS '07. IEEE
Conference_Location :
Honolulu, HI
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-0922-8
Electronic_ISBN :
1095-7863
DOI :
10.1109/NSSMIC.2007.4436761