Pages

Thursday, October 25, 2012

New X-Ray research cuts radiation and increases image quality


Hospital patient
A revolutionary new method of producing detailed, 3D images of breast tissue with a reduced exposure to harmful radiation has today been unveiled by an international team of scientists.

Computed tomography, more commonly known as CT, is a method of X-raying which produces high quality visualisations of tissue and bodily organs. However, medical professionals are forced to employ a less precise, 2D method when dealing with breast tissue in an effort to reduce the harmful effects of the radiaton.


The new breakthrough produces three-dimensional images, using around 25 times less radiation than current practice. This approach to image analysis centres around the combination of a number of X-rays, computed together by a mathematical algorithm. So called phase contrast imaging has risen in popularity in recent years. This shows practicioners how much X-ray light travels through tissue, and also gives some indication of the density of the area.

Small differences here can provide signs of future malign growths. Several scans are taken, from different angles. The researchers then used a mathematical process known as equally sloped tomography to yeild a full 3D image. It is in these mathematical calculations that progress has been made. The researchers found that taking images at uneven intervals and then using sopisticated equations, it was possible to realise a higher quality three-dimensional pictoral representation than by any other method.

Professor Maximilian Reiser, one of the researchers on the project, said, “This can open up the doors to the clinical use of computed tomography in the breast diagnosis, which would be a powerful tool to fight even better and earlier against breast cancer.” However, the process will have to undergo many trials before becoming available to the public.

The Information Daily
Please share

No comments:

Post a Comment