X-ray equipment 'double' doubles the shooting speed

An advanced scanner has been born with the ability to take pictures in less time than the heart rate. The Somatom Definition consists of two scans, which are twice as fast as normal images.

A scan of the muscles, bones and blood vessels of a 65-year-old man.

Manufacturers Siemens said that thanks to high speed, this device is ideal for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. It will be launched in the UK next fall.

Scanning experts say "double-shot" technology can reduce the need for additional invasive diagnostic techniques.

CT scanning uses special X-ray equipment to capture images from various angles around the body. A computer will then process the information to produce a cross-sectional image of the tissue and its internal organs. Traditionally, scanners have only one X-ray tube, with one directly located. The scanner will move the spiral around the patient, from head to toe to give a comprehensive image. Currently, this machine can perform 3 cycles per second.

However, scientists want to speed up the pace, so overall testing is faster. This also means that patients will be taken faster, spending more time with other patients.

Gunter Dombrowe, director of Siemens medical solutions in the UK, technically can not make traditional scanners work faster. To overcome this problem, the Somatom Definition machine uses two X-ray tubes and two probes. One tube begins at a 0 ° angle and continues to run around the body to 90 °, while the other begins at 90 ° and ends at 180 °, thus reducing the shooting time by half.

Dr. Dombrowe said this is especially important when doing cardiac checks. At present, CT scans require patients to use a medication that slows down the heart, producing a clear image. Thanks to the new scanner, doctors can see almost static images of the heart.

The first Somatom Definition was installed at the University of Erlangen in Germany.