Computed tomography and its features

Computed tomography is a method that allows layered examination of organs and their internal structure. This method is based on the fact that tissues of different density absorb X-rays in different ways. The obtained data is recorded and processed by the computer.

Benefits of computed tomography

• patient’s comfort;
• high speed of examination;
• ability to create three-dimensional reconstruction of the image;
• ability to quickly examine the patient’s vascular system, namely the brain, kidneys, heart and other organs.

Indications and contraindications to CT

X-ray CT is indispensable in diagnostics of early signs of the disease, when there are still no patient complaints (typical example – tumors). Preventive medical examination can involve such diagnostics. It is important to notice that other diagnostic techniques fail to produce similar results. CT can reveal almost all types of brain injuries – from traumatic injuries, tumors and cysts, to heart attacks and hemorrhage. The only absolute contraindication to this procedure is pregnancy.

CT procedure

During the test, the patient is placed on a special scanner table. X-ray tube is moving around the patient’s body taking a series of images (layer-by-layer scanning of body tissue). Then, the images are transferred to the computer for processing. They can be printed on X-ray film or recorded to the disk.

Safety

Modern technologies have significantly reduced the dose of radiation exposure and, at the same time, increased the scanning speed by almost 2 times. It also became possible to analyze the chemical composition of tissues and, based on these data, differentiate fresh and old blood of intracerebral hemorrhage, tophus of the hands and feet, degree of damage of tendons and ligaments, concretions of the urinary tract, evaluate pulmonary perfusion, myocardial viability, etc.

General Electric — GE Optima CT660

GE Optima CT660 – is a modern high-speed multispiral computed tomography machine with innovative software. It enables up to 64 slices per axial rotation, which significantly speeds up the diagnostic process and improves its quality. Now, visualization of the dynamic anatomical structures (heart, chest, joints in motion …) has become available. In addition, people who are unable to maintain a fixed body position for a long time (small children, patients with neurological diseases, etc.) can be examined without anesthesia.

• Detailed examination of any organs and their parts: the brain, lungs, liver, each of the four heart chambers.
• Provides synchronization of the start of scan with the start of integrated automatic injector introducing contrast agents into the vessels. The vessels are well visualized, the localization of abnormal masses, including atheromatous plaques and blood clots are detected. It is difficult to overestimate the potential of the new device in oncological research.
• The examination is provided for both children and adults, including overweight people (up to 227 kg). The procedure is comfortable, as it takes a few minutes, and up-to-date software adjusts the device not only to a particular type of examination, but also to the individual characteristics of each patient, taking into account both age and body-build. In the low position, the exam table helps with access for patients in wheelchairs.
• Thanks to ASiR low-dose technology, Optima CT660 can reduce X-ray radiation by up to 40% while maintaining image quality. The system uses significantly less electricity, has high profitability and compact design. It is ideal for use in general clinics and hospitals.
• Perfomix ™ 40 tube, fitted with generator of up to 120 kW of power, delivers peak mA capability up to 800 mА. It provides clear imaging of smaller structures while maintaining image quality and speed of the procedure when examining overweight patients. It also allows you to achieve less noise in cardiac studies and other scans with high speed rotation.
• The heart of this scanner is the Gemstone™ detector, which is based on the garnet crystal material and is a technological breakthrough. The detector is a reliable platform for obtaining ultra-precise information on even the smallest structures.
• Optima CT660 meets the requirement of state-of-the-art medical facilities. It features advanced technologies and applications. ASiR technology in particular helps reduce the radiation dose and Volume Helical Shuttle enables data acquisition for dynamic 4D volume scans. This yields an extremely large dynamic coverage of up to 31.25 cm. The new Optima CT platform is therefore also ideal for use in universities, private hospitals chains and cross-regional practice facilities.
• ASiR technology helps reduce the radiation dose by up to 40%. This is primarily important for children and patients undergoing several CT examinations in a short period of time. This computer tomograph provides a complete examination of the chest, abdomen and pelvic area in 10 seconds.
• The use of ASiR technology makes it the all-rounder for a wide range of CT investigations, including diagnosis of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, as well as patient’s care management after road traffic accidents.
• ASiR is also an advanced image reconstruction method. Traditionally, lowering CT dose increases noise and image artifacts. The innovative technology of adaptive statistical interactive reconstruction ASiR, created by GE, allows you to solve this problem, not just by reducing the sounds, but completely muting them. Thus, ASiR technology increases the quality of images by improving low-contrast resolution while retaining anatomical detail.
• In cardiovascular setting, combining ASiR and SnapShot Pulse with adaptive gating technology, patient dose may be even more reduced – up to 83%.

The Optima CT660 is environmentally friendly with a design for refurbishment and end-of-life recycling, and with electronics innovations that may cut power consumption by 60% using energy saving mode.