Computerized tomography scans, or CT scans, use computer
processing to put together cross-sectional images of human tissue using a sequence
of X-ray images taken from several angles. The images can display bones, blood
vessels, and soft tissues within the body, providing even more precise
information than plain X-rays.
The CT scan has a variety of uses. It is commonly used to
examine internal injuries that result from car accidents or other trauma. They
can also be utilized in the diagnosis of bone and muscle disorders, such as Multiple
Sclerosis or fractures. Additionally, they can be used to pinpoint a blood
clots, tumors, and infections, or to guide radiation, surgery, and biopsy procedures.
CT scans can also help with the detection of cancer, heart disease, and other
tissue-related conditions. CT scans have so many important uses, providing
physicians with detailed images that enable them to effectively monitor and
treat their patients.
Just from the name alone, it is obvious that computers are
the backbone of computerized tomography scans. First, the CT scanner emits
narrow beams though the body. An X-ray detector within the scanner identifies
hundreds of levels of density from the diverse body tissues. Data is then
transmitted into the computer from the X-ray detector. The computer program
then executes a numerical integral calculation—the inverse Radon transform—on the
series of X-rays to approximate how much of the beam is absorbed in a small volume
of the tissue. This algorithm is then used to build a 3D cross-sectional image of
the body part under analysis, and outputs the image on the screen. Because of
this important piece of equipment, CT scanners enable the examination of the
human body in a completely non-invasive manner.
References:
Happy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! My high school physics class actually took a week to talk about CT scans and took us to a hospital as a field trip. CT scanners are especially effective for internal bleeding and soft tissues, because it creates images with very high resolution. The process of scanning usually takes a minute to complete, but GE health actually developed a new revolution CT scanner that will perform the same task in a second. It is always interesting to track the development of new technology. You can read more from this link: http://www.timesofisrael.com/ge-israel-team-plays-key-role-in-new-ct-scanner/
It's pretty amazing how we can see inside of people's bodies using computer science technology! CT scans seem so normal, we never really think about how incredible the whole thing is! It is so non-invasive, which is awesome, but I wonder if they will ever create a CT scan device that is better suited for people who feel claustrophobic in a scanner like that and have trouble staying still in a confined space. I would be interested to see how this technology continues to develop!
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting how the computer comes into play with that process and it makes me want to meet the person who came up with that. To my knowledge there recently have been attempts to use magnetics to accomplish the same results without radiation but they are still in the trial phase. I believe they have only been successful so far with mammograms but it does go to show how even CT scans may be changing in the coming decades.
ReplyDelete