Rectilinear scanner

Rectilinear scanner is a type of medical imaging device used in nuclear medicine to capture images of the body's internal structures. It is a predecessor to the modern gamma camera and is used less frequently in contemporary medical practice.

Overview

The rectilinear scanner works by detecting radioactive substances that have been introduced into the patient's body. The scanner moves in a straight line (or 'rectilinear' pattern) across the body, picking up the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive substance. This information is then used to create an image of the area being scanned.

History

The rectilinear scanner was developed in the 1950s and was one of the first imaging devices used in nuclear medicine. It was a significant improvement over previous methods, which involved manually moving a detector over the patient's body.

Operation

The operation of a rectilinear scanner involves the administration of a radiopharmaceutical to the patient. This substance travels through the body and accumulates in the area to be scanned. The scanner then moves across the body, detecting the gamma rays emitted by the radiopharmaceutical. The intensity of the detected radiation is used to create an image of the internal structure.

Limitations

While the rectilinear scanner was a significant advancement in medical imaging, it has several limitations. The images produced are two-dimensional and lack the detail of more modern imaging techniques. Additionally, the scanner can only image a small area at a time, making it less suitable for scanning large areas of the body.

See also

• Nuclear medicine
• Gamma camera
• Radiopharmaceutical

Rectilinear scanner Resources
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