GENERATIONS IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN

In Axial Scan or Step and Shoot Methods, earliest scanning mode involves moving the
patient ahead along the CT scanner's longitudinal axis while pausing at regular intervals to
acquire a trans-axial image at each place along the axis. Because of the use of high-tension
cabling rather than the slip ring technology found in all modern CT scanners, the tube gantry is
unable to rotate continuously. The time it took for a complete cycle to complete with early
scanners was relatively long (>6 seconds), allowing only a single scan to be taken each time the
patient held her breath. Newer scanners are faster and allow for “clustered” axial scans. That is,
multiple scans can be performed in a single breath-hold. The step-and-shoot approach
produces images that are perpendicular to the z axis and parallel to every other slice, similar to
sausage slices.

In contrast with Helical scanners which now account for the great majority of CT scanners
in use around the world. Key aspects include continually rotating x-ray tube, constant x-ray
output and uninterrupted table movement. Generates slices with beginning and ending points
that are not in the same z axis plane. Slices are cut at a slight tilt, like the rungs of a spring.
Image acquisition is continuous in the spiral scan mode, as patients are advanced at a steady
velocity through the CT gantry. The interscan delay and the space between scan slices are no
longer an issue.

Helical scanning has a significant speed advantage over typical shoot-and-step

scanning; a large area can be scanned in 20-60 seconds. This is a good idea for this reason.
First, the patient may often hold their breath for the duration of the study, decreasing motion
artifacts. Second, intravenous contrast enhancement can be used more efficiently. Lastly, the
study is faster than a conventional CT, allowing for higher resolution acquisitions in the same
amount of time. Because of the lack of motion misregistration and higher out of plane resolution,
spiral CT data is frequently well-suited for 3D imaging.