Whole-body x-ray CT scanner, TCT-900S

The fundamental parameters of X-ray CT are temporal, spatial and density resolution. Until recently, research projects to improve these parameters have been at a standstill. Toshiba has made a breakthrough in this situation through the development of a new CT system, TCT-900S. This system incorporates a new scanning configuration and several technological improvements:nutate/rotate configuration, a large-diameter slipring, the improvement of image quality by high-speed scan (0.6 seconds at the minimum), and the improvement of temporal resolution due to continuous scan. Highly efficient 2,304 X-ray detectors, densely layed out, bring about improved spatial resolution without sacrificing density resolution. Furthermore, development was made also of a generalpurpose high-speed array processor and an X-ray high-voltage generator based on new principles. TCT-900S is now used in several hospitals within the country ; its use for diagnosis is in the course of development. (author)