Photon-Counting CT Scanner Used in Patients for the First Time
Photo: Clinical Center
The Clinical Center is investigating the potential use of a new generation of a computerized tomography (CT) scanner, called a photon-counting detector CT scanner, in a clinical setting. The prototype technology is expected to replicate the image quality of conventional CT scanning, but may also provide health care specialists with an enhanced look inside the body through multi-energy imaging. Patients could receive a minimum amount of radiation, while the maximal amount of information needed would be delivered to health care providers.
Over the next 5 years, Dr. David Bluemke, chief of the CC department of radiology and imaging sciences, and his team will continue to develop scan protocols and image-processing algorithms, which could improve screening, imaging and treatment planning for health conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
“The NIH Clinical Center has helped shape and share research advances and health care for decades,” said Bluemke. “Now is an exciting time for us and for our study participants here in the Clinical Center as we help test and develop this CT technology so that it may one day help patients around the world and impact the health care they receive.”