The CCIR uses various types of bioimaging scanners to gather data and information in support of a research study. See below for a brief description of each technology:
The dual-energy-source CT scanner in the CCIR utilizes two x-ray sources, as well as, a dual detector system to generate high-quality images that can differentiate, characterize, and isolate a variety of tissue types. For example, it can create motion free cardiac images with a scan range that can cover a distance of 79 inches (200cm). The cardiac-synchronized imaging can be performed with 83-millisecond temporal resolution, independent of the heart rate, resulting in motion-free images. This technology reduces the need for using drugs to slow the heart rate during the imaging sequence. This CT scanner is the only one currently on the market with dual-energy capabilities.
The CCIR has two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, a 1.5T Avanto scanner and a 3.0T Trio scanner. MRI uses non-ionizing radiofrequencies (RF) to image biological tissues. The Avanto system allows for scans with high temporal resolution. Higher temporal resolutions allow the collection of data very quickly. For instance, it can be used for visualization of the beating heart in a near real time. The Trio 3.0 that has an increase in sensitivity and an increase in resolution that can be used to reduce scan times and obtain high quality images. Both of these systems utilize TIM technology. TIM stands for Total Image Matrix, which allows for use of a series of detection coils. Coupled with the Siemens IPAT technology, this scanner is the most advanced MRI system on the market. Because MRI uses non-ionizing RF radiation to create an image, it is considered a “safe technology”. MRI is painless and is widely accepted by the medical community and patients alike.
The CCIR PET scanner images radioactive compounds injected as tracer amounts into the body. The specific crystal geometry of our scanner ranks it as one of the best among the commercially-available PET systems. This scanner is equipped with retractable inter-plane lead septa (0.5 x 6.5cm) allowing for imaging in both 2D and 3D modes. It can execute transmission measurements that can be acquired post-injection for improved emission/transmission image alignment. The scanner is capable of performing dynamic image acquisition at a maximum rate of 1 image frame every 2 seconds. THe instrument is capable of obtaining image resolution of 4.5 mm (FWHM) in the trans axial and axial directions with or without cardiac and respiratory rate gating. The image reconstruction console for this scanner is equipped with the latest acquisition and processing tools.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) fused with Computed Tomography (CT) is a nuclear medicine procedure that produces pictures of the body’s metabolic functions. Physicians use PET/CT images to diagnose and manage patient treatment plans for many diseases in the fields of oncology, cardiology and neurology. PET creates images of high metabolic activity in the body, rather than images of anatomy. CT technology provides anatomic information that can be coupled to the metabolic information. Together, a PET/CT scan allows physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal tissues are located so that they may target the disease. PET/CT’s capability of early detection saves time and costs, while assisting physicians to select more effective therapies and improved patient care..
The ultrasound machine uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of internal structures such as soft tissue organs, muscles, tendons, and other superficial objects. Using the Doppler Effect, ultrasound can visualize and interrogate blood vessels throughout the body. It is a very useful tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of the human anatomical and physiological systems as well as well as those same systems in animals. Ultrasound has been used for over 50 years and is considered one of the most widely used tools in diagnostic imaging. Because ultrasound uses no radiation to create an image, it is considered a “safe test”. Ultrasound is painless and is widely accepted by the medical community and patients alike.
