We've posted a YouTube video that some of our readers might find interesting:  it's a video showing a side-by-side comparison of CPU vs. GPU for CT conebeam reconstruction - the GPU engine here, is the one that Parallax Innovations has developed.  We compare it against a conventional CPU-based multiprocessor CT FDK reconstruction engine found in GE Locus products.  

The astute reader will realize that perhaps what is really news here is that this reconstruction engine can now be integrated into existing scanning workflow on the Locus and Locus SP platforms.  Drop us a note if you are interested in beta testing this software on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows platforms.

Parallax Innovations is pleased to introduce our latest software product - Rapid Fluoroscopy for the CT-120. It is an inexpensive way to expand the capabilities of your scanner by opening up a suite of fluoroscopy applications such as:

• coronary angiography
• gastrointestinal studies (barium meal/swallow)
• intravenous pyelography

Building on the CT-120's strength as a cardiac imaging system, the fluoroscopy acquisitions can be cardiac or respiratory gated, or a combination of both.

Fluoroscopic acquisitions are protocol driven, allowing you control over the x-ray settings:
40 - 125 kV
16 - 80 mA
6.3 - 200 ms

Full range of gating options:
ECG
RESP
ECG+RESP

For applications that require repeated imaging and may require imaging at multiple bed positions, the protocol definition allows you to specify an anode heat threshold and a table offset. The anode heat threshold defines the maximum heat level that is allowed before the acquisition will continue. If the current heat level is above this, the acquisition system will wait until it drops below the threshold (Note: heat level is continuously monitored and displayed - even during x-ray exposure). The table offset is a distance (mm) from the landmark position. Before the acquisition, the specimen cradle will be moved to this position. Both of these features streamline work flow and assist automation.

If you look at the data/protocol overview window to the left, you will notice that there are two categories of protocols: fluoroscopy and treatment. In an upcoming blog post, I'll describe how one of our customers is using Rapid Fluoroscopy to study radiation therapy.

For more information, please contact us.