Spiral computed tomography

Spiral Computed Tomography

File:Spiral CT scan.jpg

A Spiral Computed Tomography scan

Spiral Computed Tomography (also known as helical computed tomography or SCT) is a type of medical imaging that uses a computer-processed combination of many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual 'slices') of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.

History

Spiral Computed Tomography was first introduced in the 1980s by Siemens Healthineers, a division of Siemens AG. It was a significant improvement over the previous Computed Tomography (CT) technology, which required the patient to hold their breath while the machine took a series of images.

Procedure

During a Spiral CT scan, the patient lies on a table that moves slowly through the large doughnut-shaped CT scanner. As the patient moves through the scanner, the machine's X-ray tube rotates around the patient, taking a series of images from different angles. These images are then processed by a computer to create a detailed, cross-sectional view of the body.

Applications

Spiral CT is used in various medical fields such as Radiology, Oncology, and Cardiology. It is particularly useful in the detection of lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and aortic aneurysm.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Spiral CT has several advantages over traditional CT. It is faster, which makes it ideal for patients who have difficulty holding their breath. It also provides more detailed images, which can help doctors detect abnormalities more accurately. However, Spiral CT exposes the patient to more radiation than traditional CT, which can increase the risk of cancer.

See Also

• Computed Tomography
• Medical Imaging
• Radiology