The Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor: An X-Ray Video-Fluoroscopic CT Scanner for Dynamic Volume Imaging of Moving Organs.
The trend in development of X-ray computed tomography systems over the past decade has been toward faster and faster scanners, with comcomitant improvement in image quality. The preliminary results from the DSR scanner suggest the advent of two new, powerful dimensions in X-ray computed tomography high temporal resolution and synchronous volume scanning. That is, true stop-action, full three-dimensional imaging at a high repetition rate is possible with CT scanners. Such capabilities promise to make possible new basic investigative and clinical studies of the structural-to-functional relationships of moving organ systems like the heart and lungs, and of the circulation in any organ of the body. Current state-of-the-art CT technology holds promise of exciting new clinical and research capabilities, such as quantitative analysis of regional blood flow and perfusion, simultaneous measurement of physiologic function and anatomic structure, and differential diagnosis of disease based on determination of tissue composition in any organ or region of the body, with a sensitivity and specificity not possible before.
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Biodynamics Research Unit, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905.