CT:  Sweet 16, Slices That Is
In computed tomography (CT), more efficient data-gathering, less radiation dose for patients and shorter scan times were the themes for many — if not, all — of the vendors exhibiting at RSNA 2001.

The manufacturers were quick to promote FDA-cleared or pending approvals for newly developed 16-slice capabilities as CT’s next leap in technology. The budding 16-slice technology is expected to gain more ground — clinically speaking — as vendors begin to install more units in healthcare facilities this year. Look for clinical images produced by 16-slice technology to make a conspicuous appearance at RSNA 2002.

On the exhibit floor, Philips Medical Systems International B.V. (Best, Netherlands) came to RSNA 2001 with its Mx8000 multislice CT scanner. The 16-slice CT system — which is FDA-cleared — is another product which comes to Philips through its 2001 acquisition of the former Marconi Medical Systems Inc. (Highland Heights, Ohio).

The key to Mx8000’s 16-slice capability is Philips’ proprietary Infinite Detector Technology by acquiring thinner slices. The combination of the Mx8000 CT scanner and Infinite Detector Technology covers more than four centimeters of a patient’s anatomy in one second, making it — according to Philips — more than 12 times faster than the current generation of multi-slice scanners. The greater acquisition speed and image quality also aids in advanced applications, such as cardiovascular imaging.

Please refer to the January 2002 issue for the complete story. For information on article reprints, contact Martin St. Denis