As we arrive at the 50th anniversary of the first computed tomography (CT) scan of a
live patient, we take this opportunity to revisit the history of early CT development. It is not an
exaggeration to say that the invention of CT may represent the greatest revolution in medical
imaging since the discovery of x-rays. We cover events over a period of about two decades that
started with the realization that accurate cross-sectional soft-tissue detail is possible and could be
a significant advance. We describe in some detail the development of the first CT system and
then the rapid technical advances during the following years that included the entry of many
companies into the field and the circumstances that led many of those entrants to exit the field.
Rather than focusing on the specific technical details (which can be found elsewhere), we include
stories and events in the hope that broader lessons can be learned. As the first x-ray-based digital
imaging modality, CT brought into common use an exceptional tool that benefits countless
patients every day. It also introduced dramatic changes to biomedical imaging as a field that
continues to influence progress to this day.
KEYWORDS: Holography, Holograms, Breast, Digital holography, Ultrasonography, 3D displays, Transducers, Computed tomography, 3D image processing, Computing systems
Breast ultrasound is a valuable adjunct to mammography but is limited by a very small field of view, particularly with high-resolution transducers necessary for breast diagnosis. We have been developing an ultrasound system based on a diffraction tomography method that provides slices through the breast on a large 20-cm diameter circular field of view. Eight to fifteen images are typically produced in sequential coronal planes from the nipple to the chest wall with either 0.25 or 0.5 mm pixels. As a means to simplify the interpretation of this large set of images, we report experience with 3D life-sized displays of the entire breast of human volunteers using a digital holographic technique. The compound 3D holographic images are produced from the digital image matrix, recorded on 14 X 17 inch transparency and projected on a special white-light viewbox. Holographic visualization of the entire breast has proved to be the preferred method for 3D display of ultrasound computed tomography images. It provides a unique perspective on breast anatomy and may prove useful for biopsy guidance and surgical planning.
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