Radiographs are two-dimensional images generated by projecting a three-dimensional body towards an acquisition device called a detector, using X-rays. As projections, X-rays superimpose soft tissues,
bones and different structures, bringing with them a high quantity of data but, at the same time, flattening the three-dimensional information of the body.
DTS (Digital Tomosynthesis) is a software specifically developed to perform the tomosynthesis algorithm, which, using a sequence of projections acquired at different angles, guarantees a complete reconstruction of the volume to be examined.
Abstract
In traditional X-rays, body volumes are flattened in outputs that superimpose soft tissue, bones and different structures in a single image. This technical limit, together with the high costs
and reduced portability of computed tomography techniques, has oriented research towards algorithm solutions and, consequently, towards the
development of dedicated applications capable of optimising execution, portability and the results.
This research has produced DTS, a software solution capable of executing the digital tomosynthesis algorithm and carrying out a volumetric reconstruction of the patient’s body, guaranteeing clinical outcomes of high technical quality, hardware portability and – last but not least – economic sustainability.
The multiple clinical applications of DTS are testament to these advances and include the realisation of:
• chest volumes, to improve identification of pulmonary nodules;
• volumes of the head and neck, for a better visualization of the paranasal sinuses;
• dental volumes, to obtain better spatial resolution;
• breast tomosynthesis, to detect lumps and calcifications of the breast area.
In a nutshell, the strengths of DTS consist of:
1. quality of reconstruction;
2. speed of execution;
3. multi-purpose adaptability;
4. hardware compatibility;
5. reduced implementation costs.
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