Taking Imaging to the Next Level

CTX imaging has managed to take the concept of taking images of internal objects to an entirely new level. The technology is really quite amazing in that it is capable of taking a x-ray movie and then superimposing a 3-D image. By integrating high speed inefluoroscopic video of 1,000 fps with computed-tomography, it is capable of creating images that are crisp and clear even when in motion.

The most recent development in CT imaging has been created by Brown University. With their new CT imaging device, which combines CT scanners, computer software, and x-ray video, amazing three dimensional videos of objects in motion can now be taken – this includes watching human bones in motion.

Moving Medical Technology to a Higher Plateau

The medical community already has devices that can be used to see the human skeleton. Therefore, the concept of being able to see inside of the body is nothing new. At the same time, each of the current forms of technology has its downfalls. For example, CT scans are capable of providing very detailed three dimensional views of the skeleton, but the process is quite slow and the patient must remain perfectly still while the images are being created. If the patient moves even slightly, the image will be blurred and will be useless.

Through another method called fluoroscopy, a medical professional can develop a video of the skeleton. This works by taking multiple x-rays right after each other and at a high speed. This technology, however, can only take two dimensional images and the resolution is much poorer than what is achieved with a CT scan.

With CTX imaging, these two processes are essentially combined. As a result, the images of bones in motion can be developed – whether the person or animal is jumping, running, walking, or performing any other action.

Understanding the new technology is complicated yet beautifully simple at the same time. In essence, the CT portion of the device creates a 3-D model of the skeleton. Then, the high-speed fluoroscopy makes recordings of the skeleton from two different angles. When this information is fed to the software, it is capable of combining the two into one flawlessly moving image.

The Future of CTX Imaging

This new development in CTX imaging is still in its early stages. Therefore, the current prototype takes up an entire room. Of course, personal computers as we know them today once took up an entire room as well. Therefore, the future looks bright for the CTX imaging device. According to the professor leading the development of the CTX imaging device, Elizabeth Brainerd, the device should be ready to be sold commercially by 2010.

Despite its massive size, the new CTX imaging device is already helping researchers gain a better understanding of animal biomechanics. Researchers hope that the development will help them answer several questions that they have had for many years, such as how the evolution of flight developed in birds. Furthermore, the possibilities for orthopedic surgeons and for the treatment of injuries related to the ligaments, bones, and joints is endless.