What is EBT
Electron beam (ultrafast) computed
tomography (EBT or EBCT) is a revolutionary approach to imaging,
achieving acquisition speeds over 4 times faster than the fastest
helical CT equipment (which rely upon mechanical rotation of x-ray
tubes).
Utilizing a magnetically deflected
electron beam and a stationary source-detector pair, EBT employs the
latest advances in target metallurgy, vacuum science and fiber optics in
order to obtain high resolution images of moving objects. Obtaining
scans in 1/10 or 1/20 second, it is perfectly designed to evaluate
moving structures like the heart and large surface areas (like the
colon) during a single breath-hold.
Designed originally for heart imaging,
EBT has been available at major university hospitals and imaging centers
worldwide for many years and is FDA approved for coronary calcium
imaging, lung scanning, noninvasive coronary angiography (EBA) and CT
colonography. The radiation exposure from EBT is much lower than from
spiral CT examinations, especially to potentially "radiosensitive"
structures in the front of the body.
