The Western Conference on Science Education

A Portable Optical CT Scanner for Interactive Teaching of Medical Imaging Principles

Computed Tomography (CT) is widely used as a diagnostic imaging tool in modern medicine. The traditional method of teaching CT principles involves classroom lectures, with demonstrations on a clinical system that can only be accessed during off-hours. The x-ray and ‘black-box’ nature of a clinical system, and the lag time between lectures and demonstrations severely limit the teaching efficiency. A scaled-down portable imaging system that does not use x-rays would be ideal for an interactive classroom or laboratory session. We therefore developed a system using visible light rays instead of x-rays, so that experiments can be conducted immediately and safely with no high-voltage or radiation hazards. Educators at the University of Western Ontario will collaborate with industry to manufacture the scanner (http://www.deskcat.com/) to meet educational objectives, such as those specified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). The table-top CT imaging device will come with a “kit” of experimental modules and specialized software that demonstrate radiography and CT image reconstruction. Image quality is characterized by 'live' measurements of spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and optical attenuation coefficients using plastic specimens or liquids. We expect that a low-cost portable system (< $15,000 CDN) will enrich the students' learning experience and improve the long-term retention of fundamental imaging concepts. This teaching package should prove attractive to universities with Physics, Biophysics, or Biomedical Engineering Departments, as well as Medical Schools with residency training programs (Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Imaging, Radiation Oncology). The scanner will be demonstrated at the poster.