Electron Beam CT

The latest foray of technology in CT is the electron beam CT (EBCT) scanner. In EBCT an electron beam is electro-magnetically steered towards an array of tungsten X-ray anodes that are positioned circularly around the patient. The anode that was hit emits X-rays that are collimated and detected as in conventional CT. The use of an electron beam allows for very quick scanning because there are no moving parts. An entire scan can be completed in 50 to 100 milliseconds. This quick scan time makes this the only CT method which can scan the beating heart. At the present time, these machines are installed in only a few sites world-wide.

Medical Imaging Techniques
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