The Use of CT Scans in CTX Imaging

One important component of CTX imaging is its ability to perform a CT, or computed tomography, scan. Originally called computed axial tomography (or CAT) scan, the CT scan is a method used to take images of within the body for medical purposes. The CT scan is of particular importance because of its ability to take three-dimensional images of inside the body. Together with special software and high-speed fluoroscopy, CT scanning has played an integral role in the development of CTX imaging.

Understanding the CT Scan

In order to gain a greater understanding of CTX imaging, it is helpful to better understand the CT scan. In essence, the CT scan works by taking several two-dimensional x-rays from points all around the image. In order to accomplish this, it must take images from around just one axis. By doing so, it is capable of “slicing” the object and taking a photo of what it would look like from the inside. In fact, this is where the term “tomography” came from, as tomos comes from the Greek and means “slice” while graphein comes from the Greek and means “to write.”

The CT scan is capable of taking a great deal of data and manipulating into a complete object. This is made possible through a process called windowing. With windowing, the CT scanner can be set to look for certain parameters and to show all materials falling outside of those parameters at a different shade of gray. When the CAT scan was first developed, the image created could only be viewed as a transverse plane. Today, it is capable of creating very clear three-dimensional images.

Putting the CT Scanner to Work

Traditionally, a special x-ray tube and a detector are rotated in an area beyond a circular shroud in order to develop the image created by a CT scan. With more advanced electron beam tomography, however, the tube is actually larger and requires more power in order to achieve a high level of resolution. The bean is deflected through a hollow vacuum chamber that is in the shape of a funnel and the x-rays are created when this beam makes contact with a stationary target.

Since the object has to be stationary in order to take a CT scan, this is where it has flaws. Many patients are unable to remain perfectly skill, such as those with physical disabilities that cause their bodies to shake or those that are in so much pain that staying in one position long enough for a CT scan is verging on inhumane. Yet others simply don’t understand the concept of staying still, such as those that are severely mentally handicapped or young children.

With the help of CTX imaging, the technology of the CT scan can still be used to create a three dimensional image. By combining that technology with special software and high-speed fluoroscopy, the need for the subject to remain perfectly still is no longer necessary. In addition, by being able to take images of the skeletal image as it is in motion, the medical field can better understand the function of the human body.