Program Manager: Dr. Joseph Mangano (MTO)
The Intelligent Multi-modal Volume Angio Computed Tomography (IM-VAC) Program is developing ultra-compact, high resolution, volume CT imaging technology for use in forward area operations. This new CT imaging technology is based on a new x-ray tube technology and a higher signal-to-noise, linear response, direct conversion detector technology.
A key feature of the new CT x-ray tube technology is that it eliminates heel effect and reduces off-beam-axis image blur. The direct result is a fivefold increase in allowable vertex imaging angle and an ability to image major organs of the body in a single rotation of the CT system, thereby eliminating motion artifacts as well as artifacts associated with stitching together multiple adjacent images. This new imaging technology also results in reduced tube-to-patient distance, leading to a more compact CT imaging architecture with possible installation in a broad spectrum of forward area platforms.
A recent addition to this program will develop a dual-energy x-ray tube which, when combined with digital-subtraction of the two images made at each x-ray energy, will allow high-resolution, high-contrast imaging of soft tissue while eliminating background clutter. Dual energy CT x-ray imaging will find application in uncovering occult bleeding, a major issue in triage, and in initiation of appropriate supportive therapies.
This new x-ray tube technology complements new detector technology, developed in the first phase of the IM-VAC Program, which increases signal-to-noise at the low x-ray flux levels seen at the large imaging angles made possible by the new x-ray tube. This new detector also promises to eliminate saturation effects at high x-ray flux levels, thus reducing nonlinear image artifacts.
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