ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses technologies and methods required to add another dimension to the process, four-dimensional dynamic imaging using time-elapsed three-dimensional tomographic views. Two non-invasive imaging techniques—magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT)—can be utilized in image coronary stenosis. MR has the ability to detect coronary stenosis in proximal vessels. However, artifacts due to cardiac and respiratory motion, limited through-plane resolution, and long overall imaging times make coronary MR imaging a significant challenge. In order to understand dynamic imaging of a beating heart, one must consider two unique technical aspects of Cardiac CT: Projection data acquisition and reconstruction, and cardiac synchronization. The flat-panel (FP) detector technology was originally developed to improve the standard radiography by providing a higher absorption coefficient and a wider dynamic range than available with X-ray film. A C-arm gantry is equipped with an X-ray source and a FP detector that can acquire projections for slightly more than a 180° angular span.
