................................................................................................................................... 41.2 Table of Symbols
................................................................................................................................... 101.4 Cleaning and Service
................................................................................................................................... 111.5 Data Backup
................................................................................................................................... 152.3 Online User Manual
................................................................................................................................... 152.4 System Hardware
................................................................................................................................... 162.5 Other Components
................................................................................................................................... 233.2 System Startup
................................................................................................................................... 273.3 User Management
................................................................................................................................... 283.4 System Shutdown
................................................................................................................................... 293.5 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
................................................................................................................................... 314.2 Enter New Patient
................................................................................................................................... 364.5 Delete Patient Record
................................................................................................................................... 406.2 Prepare the Patient
................................................................................................................................... 416.3 Seat and Position Patient
................................................................................................................................... 446.4 Dry Run and Scout
................................................................................................................................... 677.6 Oblique and TMJ Tools
................................................................................................................................... 757.7 3D Viewing Window
................................................................................................................................... 8210.1 General Information
................................................................................................................................... 10010.5 Dose Information
................................................................................................................................... 11511.2 CT Number of Reference Materials
................................................................................................................................... 11811.4 CT Number and Standard Deviation of Water
................................................................................................................................... 11911.5 Artifact Test
................................................................................................................................... 12011.6 Uniformity Test
This section contains important safety information about using your MiniCAT™.
1.1 Safety Guidelines
Although several safety considerations were made in the design, no amount of safety features can
completely eliminate the risk associated with X-ray radiation. Improper use may result in injury.
Emergency Stop:
In the event of an emergency (i.e. any moving component collides with any parts of the equipment,
items in the environment, or that could cause physical injury to the patient), the operator should
utilize the Emergency Stop (E-Stop) button to turn off the power to all moving parts in order for
the patient to be safely removed from the machine.
1
All persons operating or occupying the area around the scanner must be properly trained on the
principles of radiation safety. The persons authorized to operate the equipment will be properly
trained by Xoran Technologies on the principles of operation. Operators of the equipment must
ascertain the regulatory requirements and the risks associated with the application of X-ray radiation
to patients.
The use of protective devices, such as radiation barriers and protective aprons, are always
recommended. Consult with a health physicist or other radiation protection expert to determine the
appropriate radiation protection devices and practices.
Caution: This X-ray unit may be dangerous to patient and operator unless safe
exposure factors and operating instructions are observed. Unauthorized use is
prohibited. Xoran Technologies LLC is released of all responsibility and
indemnity for injury that may result from X-ray radiation or the improper use of
the device.
Radiation Safety
The gantry is self-shielded to an extent. However, no design can guarantee that all X-ray radiation is
shielded. Therefore, we recommend that additional radiation protection devices are utilized when
operating the equipment. A health physicist, or other radiation protection expert, should evaluate the
proposed areas in which the MiniCAT™ will be used to determine the radiation protection
measures that must be taken.
The MiniCAT™ is equipped with an operator control box that allows for the initiation of a scan
while the operator is at a safe distance behind a protective barrier. The operator control box also
contains an emergency stop button to terminate X-ray radiation and all powered motion of the
2
equipment in the case of an emergency.
Testing or calibration should never be performed while a patient is positioned in or near the scanner.
The operator should utilize the appropriate radiation protection devices while testing or calibrating
the equipment.
No attempt should be made to move, adjust or manipulate the scanner or patient during image
acquisition. This could result in unnecessary radiation exposure, injury to the patient and/or damage
to the equipment.
It is the responsibility of the user to learn about X-ray radiation health risks and to adopt
and follow proper X-ray radiation safety policies and procedures before operating the
MiniCAT™.
All federal and state regulations pertaining to radiation safety must be observed.
Please refer to your state radiation safety regulations for specific requirements about the
safe and proper use of the scanner.
Stand behind the operator's barrier when using X-ray.
Lead-shielded aprons and dose monitoring badges may be required.
ALARA
The principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) has been implemented into the
imaging protocols of the MiniCAT™ and this principle shall be exercised by the user at all times. In
this way, unnecessary exposure to radiation can be avoided. ALARA principles shall be exercised
by the user at all times. Only required personnel should be in the room when the scanner is in use.
3
Personal Dosimetry
The purpose of a radiation dosimetry program is to measure the radiation dose equivalent from
occupationally exposed radiation workers. You must check with your state radiation safety program
to ascertain your state's specific radiation dosimetry requirements.
X-Ray Warning System
When the MiniCAT™ is in use and X-rays are being emitted, you will see a yellow flashing light
(located on top of the operator's console) complemented with an audible chirping sound. In
addition, it is possible to install external warning lights and/or audible alarms when the X-ray source
is enabled in ready state. Call Xoran Customer Service to learn more about these options if
required in your area.
Door Interlock System
The MiniCAT™ is equipped with provisions for an optional door interlock circuit. This type of
circuit shuts off power to the X-ray source when the door is opened. Call Xoran Customer Service
to learn more about these options if required in your area.
Do not use any extension cords which have not been provided with the MiniCAT™. Use only the
Note: Health Canada does not permit the use of the MiniCAT CT scanner for imaging pregnant or
pediatric patients.
Note: The best practice is to consult with a qualified medical physicist to ensure safety and
compliance. Feel free to contact Xoran Customer Service for assistance in locating an appropriate
medical physics professional in your area. 1-800-70-XORAN (800-709-6726)
interface cables provided with the MiniCAT™. Do not alter the cabling configuration.
Additional Software and Accessories:
Do not connect any items or equipment to the MiniCAT™ which are not part of the system or install
any additional software. Either of these actions can cause the system to malfunction and will result in
voiding your warranty.
Disposal
Follow local regulations on disposal of waste parts. The X-ray source assembly, image sensor and
all electronic circuits should be regarded as non-environmental friendly waste product and should be
disposed of in such a way as to minimize the hazard to the health of personnel and the value of
property and the community.
4
Instructions, Training, Use
The MiniCAT™ shall be used, supervised or directed by an individual who is competently aware of
the potential hazards involved from ionizing radiation and who is capable of minimizing these hazards.
Xoran provides comprehensive training and support for MiniCAT™ users. Xoran accepts no
responsibility for the misuse of a MiniCAT™. The user is responsible for compliance with their
state's regulation for owning and operating a CT scanner.
1.2 Table of Symbols
The following symbols can be found in this manual and on the equipment.
symbol alerts you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure -- voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
Protective Earth, Ground: Grounding
reliability can only be achieved when the
equipment is connected to an equivalent
receptacle marked "Hospital Only" or
"Hospital Grade."
X-ray Caution: These symbols indicate the
presence of X-ray radiation. This X-ray
device may be dangerous to patient and
operator unless safe exposure factors and
operating instructions are observed.
Pinch Point: This symbol alerts you to the
potential for injury due to moving mechanical
parts. Keep hands clear during operation.
X-Ray Focal Spot: This symbol appears
on the X-ray tube head, showing the
approximate location of the X-ray focal
spot.
Compliant to +4 kV. Floors should be wood, concrete or ceramic tile.
If floors are synthetic, the relative humidity should be at least 30%.
1.3 Electromagnetic Interference
The MiniCAT™ has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A equipment
pursuant to IEC 60601-1-2. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a commercial environment. The MiniCAT™ generates, uses and can radiate
electromagnetic energy. If the MiniCAT™ is not installed and used in accordance with these
instructions, it may cause harmful interference to surrounding equipment.
MiniCAT™ is intended for use in an electromagnetic environment specified below. The user of the
MiniCAT™ should ensure that it is used in such an environment.
Electrical power quality should be that of a typical commercial or
hospital environment. See Electrical Power Requirements in section
10.6.
Voltage Dips/Dropout
Mains power quality should be that of a typical commercial or hospital
environment. If the user requires continued operation during power
mains interruptions, it is recommended that the equipment be plugged
into an uninterruptible power supply (included). See Electrical Power
Requirements and Apparent Resistance of Supply Mains in section 10.6.
Conducted RF
Portable and mobile communication equipment should be separated from
the MiniCAT™ by no less than 19 feet (6 meters).
Radiated RF
The MiniCAT™ is intended for use in an electromagnetic environment in
which radiated disturbances are controlled. The user can help prevent
electromagnetic interference by maintaining a minimum distance between
portable and mobile RF communications equipment and the MiniCAT™
as recommended below, according to the maximum output power of the
communications equipment.
Maximum Output
Power
(Watts)
Separation
(150 kHz to 800
MHz)
Separation
(800 MHz to 2.5
GHz)
0.01
15 in (38 cm)
30 in (76 cm)
0.1
15 in (38 cm)
30 in (76 cm)
1
46 in (117 cm)
8 ft (2.4 m)
10
12 ft (3.7 m)
24 ft (7.3 m)
100
38 ft (11.7 m)
77 ft (23.4 m)
Note: Field strengths from transmitters, as determined by an
electromagnetic site survey, should be less than the compliance level of
3 V/m.
If the MiniCAT™ is suspected of causing harmful interference to other surrounding equipment, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following methods:
Turn the MiniCAT™ off and on to verify that the interference is coming from the
MiniCAT™.
Move the other equipment further away from the MiniCAT™.
Connect the other equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
MiniCAT™ is connected.
Contact Xoran Customer Service for additional assistance.
1.4 Cleaning and Service
Cleaning Schedule
It is recommended that the equipment be cleaned and disinfected in the following manner:
Between Patients:
Clean patient head holder with alcohol. Do not spray.
10
Daily:
Clean dust from surfaces by wiping with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not use any
chemicals on any part of the MiniCAT™.
Monthly:
Check for defective X-ray indicator lights and sounds.
Gently vacuum dust from fans behind acquisition workstation and server (if applicable).
Open server front panel and gently vacuum dust accumulation (if applicable).
Service and Maintenance
It is recommended that the equipment be inspected and serviced annually. Inspection and service
must be performed by Xoran Technologies LLC or other technician licensed and qualified to service
this equipment. Circuit diagrams, component parts lists, descriptions and calibration instructions can
be made available upon request.
Service/preventative maintenance for the first year of equipment operation is covered by Xoran
Technologies under the equipment warranty. Ongoing service and preventative maintenance can be
purchased under a service agreement with Xoran Technologies.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the equipment is maintained in compliance with the
manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. The manufacturer and the assembler/installer
cannot be held responsible for the failure of the owner/user to have the manufacturer's recommended
Remove dust and inspect (Annually)
Replace Video Card (Every 4 years)
UPS Maintenance
Remove dust and inspect (Annually)
Replace batteries (Every 3 years)
MiniCAT™ Maintenance
Clean and inspect (Annually)
Replace Head Select IM483 fan (Annually)
Replace DC Power Supply (Every 5 years)
Replace Receptor Cooling Fan (Every 5 years)
Chair and laser alignment (Annually)
Electromechanical Safety Test
Line Voltage Test (Annually)
Chassis to Ground Test (Annually)
Leakage Current Test (Annually)
Source Maintenance
Perform Source check and recalibrate as needed (Annually)
Application Maintenance
Geometric Calibration (Annually)
Shutter Calibration (Annually)
Water Attenuation Calibration (Annually)
Quality Control Tests
CT Number of Reference Materials (Annually)
Spatial Resolution (Annually)
CT Number and Standard Deviation of Water (Annually)
Artifact Test (Annually)
Uniformity Test (Annually)
Contrast Scale (Annually)
Image Noise (Annually)
Nominal Tomographic Section Thickness and Slice Sensitivity
Profile (Annually)
Maintenance Schedule:
11
1.5 Data Backup
Every effort has been made to ensure that patient data is stored safely on the MiniCAT™.
However, it is recommended that periodic backup is performed to prevent data loss in the event of
catastrophe or system failure. It is the user's responsibility to ensure adequate data backup is
performed.
Call Xoran Customer Service for recommendations on how to perform data backup most
effectively.
Protection against electric shock: Class I
Applied part has degree of protection against electric shock: Type B Applied Part
Class of equipment against ingress of liquids: Ordinary Equipment, IPX0
Radiated emissions: Class A
FDA: Class 2
Mode of Operation: Continuous operation with intermittent loading
Thank you for purchasing the MiniCAT™ scanner.
We designed the MiniCAT™ scanner and the User Manual to be easy to use. This User Manual
gives you chronological, step-by-step instructions for operating the scanner. It also provides you
with technical specifications of the MiniCAT™ scanner.
To ensure the safe and proper use of your new scanner, please make sure that you read and
understand this User Manual before operating the scanner and follow the User Manual’s operating
and safety instructions when using the scanner. The instructions in this User Manual are meant to
supplement your Xoran on-site training, your radiation safety training as required by your State’s
Radiation Safety Regulations, and your own professional training and expertise.
Customer Service and Support is our first priority. We want to do everything we can to help you
use your new MiniCAT™ scanner in a safe and efficient manner.
If you have any questions, please call us at: 800-70-XORAN (800-709-6726). Our Customer
Service Engineers will be happy to help you.
Sincerely,
Xoran Technologies LLC
www.xorantech.com
2.2 MiniCAT™ Overview
MiniCAT™ is a compact, upright volume computed tomography system designed for highresolution, bone window imaging of the sinuses, temporal bones and skull base. MiniCAT™
provides immediate access to images at the patient’s point-of-care resulting in a faster diagnosis and
treatment.
15
MiniCAT Intended Use:
The MiniCAT is an X-ray imaging device that constructs a three-dimensional model of the head and
neck from images taken during a rotational X-ray sequence. The
MiniCAT is optimized for the imaging of the maxillofacial complex, temporal bone, and sinuses.
2.3 Online User Manual
The most up-to-date version of this manual can always be viewed online at http://
help.xorantech.com/MiniCAT_5.2. Navigate the online manual by clicking chapter headings in the table
of contents (on the left). For a PDF copy, click the convert to PDF button in the top right-hand
corner of the online manual.
Tip: From the MiniCAT™ software, press the F1/HELP key at any time to launch the online
manual.
2.4 System Hardware
The following diagram shows the MiniCAT™ system hardware with the main components identified.
A MiniCAT 'Viewing Station' is a computer that has MiniCAT software installed and is used as an
additional client workstation within a Practice or Hospital environment. Viewing Stations can be
used for viewing Xoran studies and generating image outputs. Viewing stations are connected to a
Xoran server and they retrieve patient data and studies from the Xoran server over local area
network.
The following features are available to users on Viewing Stations:
Search and display patient information
View Study Files
Modify window/level, image selection, annotations and perform other available image
Perform image output actions including exporting and printing images and DICOM push
Note: Only use original components provided with the MiniCAT™. Do not use any other parts or
accessories.
Note: The Xoran server supports up to 5 concurrent connections and up to 20 client connections.
The following features will not be available to users on a Viewing Station:
Acquisition and daily calibration
Reconstruction of raw Study File data (CPU and GPU)
Modality Worklist support
Patient Record Management (creating, modifying and deleting patients)
Modifying Study Header
Deleting Study File
Importing Study Files
18
Study File Purge
User Management
NOTE:
1. The '3D View' functionality will be assured to function with a Xoran Specified
Computer System.
Note: A Xoran Specified Computer System will require the user to limit the installation
of miscellaneous third party software. Additional software programs installed on your
workstation could impact the efficient function of the Xoran 3D View.
2. The '3D View' option may not work with standard computer systems - minimum
computer hardware and software specifications for Viewing Stations are supplied in
section 10.6 of this User Manual (Installation Requirements).
3. Xoran does NOT assure that 3D Viewing will work, as intended to, on a NON-Xoran
Supplied Computer System.
Note: This page is a brief overview of the MiniCAT™. Please attend MiniCAT™ training with a
qualified instructor, and read the complete MiniCAT™ User Manual before operating the
equipment.
Note: Refer to Section 3.2 for System Startup instructions.
Caution: Laser light emitted. Do not stare into the beam.
PREPARATION
1. Perform a Daily Calibration
For best results, scanner should be powered on for at least one hour before calibration
Click Daily Calibration from the Tools menu (or press the F9/CAL key)
19
2. Enter Patient Information
Enter patient information and click Save
SCANNING
1. Select Patient
From the Patient Database, locate and highlight the patient record
Click Acquire New and follow the on-screen prompts
2. Select Procedure
Create a study title, select the procedure and choose the ordering physician
3. Seat and Position Patient
Have patient remove jewelry, glasses, hair accessories, etc. from patient's head
Adjust height of patient chair until ear is positioned as shown
Use alignment light to position patient based on imaging protocol (see below)
Click Start Acquisition to initiate the scanning process and follow the on-screen prompts
When the scan is complete, the gantry will rewind and reconstruction will start
The study will open in the Multi-planar Reconstruction (MPR) window. This is the
Note: Press the F1/HELP key to access the online user manual.
default setting for viewing and manipulating reconstructed images. Axial, coronal, sagittal,
and 3D views are all visible at once.
Click Image Output from any image viewing window to export images (if applicable)
6. Initiate Scan Transfer to XoranConnect®
After the acquisition and reconstruction are complete, click Exit in the viewer window to
initiate scan transfer and allow it to be available on XoranConnect®
In the case of an emergency, the system rotation can be stopped and X-ray emission can be halted
by pressing the Emergency Stop (E-Stop) button. The operator E-Stop is located on the
Operator Control Box on the operator’s desk. The Patient E-Stop is located on the Patient
Controller which can be held by the patient during the scan.
22
When activated, the E-Stop control immediately shuts down the scanner, cutting power to all moving
parts and ceasing the emission of X-rays. The operator or patient should press the E-Stop in caseof emergency or system malfunction where the safety of the patient or operator is at risk, such
as:
Extreme patient motion during acquisition (i.e. standing up).
Software malfunction (i.e. frames do not appear during image acquisition).
A person or object enters the gantry path during acquisition
After pressing the E-Stop:
Have the patient exit the scanner
Rotate the E-Stop button clockwise to reset the MiniCAT
Contact Xoran Customer Service if additional support is required.
After pushing the E-Stop, the overhead gantry can be manually rotated so that the patient can safely
Caution: Turn E-Stop clockwise to reset. It is also recommended to restart MiniCAT™
software after resetting the E-Stop.
Caution: It is recommend that the scanner remain on at all times. If the scanner has been
shut down for any reason, please allow one hour for the scanner to warm up before
scanning patients to ensure the best quality images.
3.2 System Startup
Both the MiniCAT™ scanner hardware and the workstation must be turned on for the system to
function properly.
When lit, this light indicates that the X-ray has timed out. Please contact Xoran
Customer Service for assistance.
FAULT:
(flashing)
When rapidly flashing, this light indicates a hardware initialization problem. Please
follow the system shutdown procedure, followed by the system startup procedure. If
the problem persists, please contact Xoran Customer Service for assistance.
Note: The same light configuration is on the front overhead cover of the machine (except the fault
light). The Yellow OFF button on the Operator Control Box can be used to turn off the
MiniCAT™ scanner hardware. It is recommended that the system be left on at all times.
Any person operating the MiniCAT™ system is called a user. User information can be managed in
the User Management window. To launch, select the User Management option from the Tools
menu in the application.
The most common User Management actions are listed below:
New User: From the User menu select New User. Fill in the user information into the
fields.
Edit User: Users of the MiniCAT™ system are classified as either an “Ordering
Note: It is recommended that the scanner remain on at all times. If the scanner has been shut
down for any reason, please allow one hour for the scanner to warm up before scanning patients to
ensure the best quality images.
Note: All users should Log Out or shut down the workstation when it is not in use due to security
of patient data and for best workstation performance.
Physician” or “Technologist”. Each patient study should be assigned to an ordering
physician.
Delete User: A user account can be deleted from the system by selecting the selecting a
user name and clicking Delete User. All information about that user is removed from the
system.
Active: Active users have the ability to log onto the system and use the MiniCAT™
software. Clearing the Active check box deactivates the user. This prevents this user
from using the scanner but preserves the user data for record-keeping and/or future
reactivation purposes.
Note: The MiniCAT™ workstation will automatically reset every eight hours of inactivity.
29
Turn Off Scanner
To turn off the scanner, push the yellow OFF button on the Operator Control Box. It is safe to
leave the scanner on continuously.
3.5 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
The MiniCAT™ system is equipped with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) which contains a
backup battery with enough capacity to complete one scan with reconstruction. If the facility power
Note: When the scan is complete, it is recommended that the system be shut down and the main
circuit breaker turned off until continuous power is restored. A new scan should not be initiated on
battery power.
The system will continue to be powered by the UPS battery.
The scan in progress will complete as usual.
No information will be lost.
The UPS will beep indicating that the battery is being consumed.
2. Patient records can be searched by name, patient ID, or birthdate. Enter any known information
in the patient data fields. For example, type the first few letters of the patient's last name.
3. After you enter your search criteria, click Find. A list of matching patients will be displayed.
33
4. Click on the [+] to view studies listed under this patient's name.
There are three types of study files. They are described below.
A Scout is the single X-ray image that is used to ensure that the patient is
properly positioned for the scan.
Raw
Raw data is a sequence of images collected by the MiniCAT™ system during
an acquisition. This raw data is reconstructed using a tomographic algorithm to
create 3D imagery.
Recon.
The final result is known as the Reconstruction. This 3D volume imagery can be
viewed as a series of coronal, sagittal or axial slices, as well as in many other
ways.
5. To open a study for viewing, double-click on its title.
Note: Refer to Chapter 7 for more information on viewing patient studies.
34
4.4 Advanced Search
Patient studies may also be searched by ordering physician, imaging protocol, or a range of dates
when the studies were acquired.
1. Click Start Over in the Patient Database window.
Caution: This action permanently deletes files from your system. Be sure to follow any
required procedures for record retention and data backup before deleting patient records.
You can delete a patient record by right-clicking on the patient’s name and choosing DeletePatient from the drop-down menu.
4.6 Purge Files
To purge unneeded patients and studies in your system, follow these steps:
Caution: A patient must not be in the scanner during Daily Calibration. X-rays will be
emitted during Daily Calibration.
Caution: It is the user's responsibility to ensure that proper radiation safety procedures
are followed before X-rays are emitted.
For best image quality, the MiniCAT™ system must be calibrated daily. Calibration should be
performed after the system has been powered on for at least one hour. It is recommended to leave
the MiniCAT™ system on overnight and calibrate each morning.
Daily Calibration Procedure
1. The area between the X-ray source and detector must be free of all objects. Remove
the head holder, phantom holder and any phantom that might be present before continuing.
2a. Select the Daily Calibration option from the Tools menu.
38
2b. Alternatively, you can push the F9/CAL key.
3. A message will appear to confirm that all objects have been removed from the field of view.
Click OK to proceed.
4. A message will appear to start the calibration process. Click Calibrate to begin.
5. A message will appear asking you if it is OK to turn on the X-ray source. Ensure that you are
behind the radiation barrier and click OK.
6. Remain behind the radiation barrier until a message appears indicating the calibration is complete.
The calibration procedure will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Caution: When protocol is selected, the gantry may move. Select protocol before
positioning the patient in the scanner.
Protocol
Description
Sinus 20s (600)
20-second imaging protocol with 600 frames (i.e. adult sinus scans).
Sinus 10s (300)
10-second imaging protocol with 300 frames. Scan is faster and
lower dose, but image quality will be somewhat reduced compared
to Sinus 20s (600) (i.e. adult follow-up sinus scans and/or pediatric
scans).
Sinus 10s (150)
10-second imaging protocol with 150 frames is a very low-dose
sinus scan (i.e. adult follow-up sinus scans and/or pediatric scans).
T Bone 20s (600)
20-second temporal bone imaging protocol with 600 frames
provides higher spatial resolution than the Sinus 20s protocol, and
field of view is somewhat smaller.
Water QC
To be used only for specified quality control tests.
Resolution QC
To be used only for specified quality control tests.
6.1 Select Imaging Protocol
1. After entering new patient information or selecting an existing patient, click Acquire New.
2. The Patient Confirmation window will appear. Confirm that the patient selected from the
Patient Database is the one you want to scan. Click Acquire New to proceed.
3. The Acquisition window will appear.
39
4. Select the appropriate protocol from the Protocol menu. The standard protocol options are as
Note: Additional protocols are available for creating images compatible with various image-guided
surgery systems. If you have need for a protocol compatible with a specific IGS system, please
call 800-70-XORAN (800-709-6726). A Xoran Customer Service representative will be happy
to assist you.
5. Select the ordering physician.
Note: The Acquisition window will close and revert back to the Patient Database after 30
minutes of inactivity.
Note: It is advisable to ask female patients of childbearing age if they are or may be pregnant.
To add a new ordering physician, click the Add Physician icon to the right of the
Ordering Physician.
To change the ordering physician on a study, right-click a patient's name in the Patient
Database and select Ordering Physician.
6.2 Prepare the Patient
40
Prior to the scan:
Instruct the patient to remove jewelry, hair accessories and glasses.
Instruct the patient to sit upright, relax and face straight ahead.
The patient can hold the Patient E-Stop control in lap or hands.
Small lasers will be used for positioning. Remind the patient to close eyes.
A Scout may be taken to verify position.
A Dry Run can demonstrate scanner movement without emitting X-rays.
During the scan:
Instruct the patient to sit as still as possible for best image quality.
Instruct the patient to avoid talking, chewing, yawning, swallowing, coughing or slouching.
Instruct the patient to breathe naturally, moving head as little as possible.
The scan will be completed in 20 seconds or less.
The overhead gantry will rotate. The patient should close their eyes to avoid following this
Caution: Laser light emitted. Do not stare into the beam.
Press button once to turn on the laser for a few seconds.
Press and hold for three seconds to turn on the laser for five minutes.
For a Sinus scan, the laser should project the crosshairs on the patient's high cheekbone as
shown below.
43
For a Temporal Bone scan, the laser should project the crosshairs on the patient's tragus
as shown below.
Caution: Make sure that all required radiation safety procedures are complied with
before proceeding.
3. Remain behind the barrier, and click OK. The Scout image will be acquired.
4. Check the Scout image to make sure that the following criteria are met. If the Scout image does
not meet these criteria, the patient should be re-positioned.
For sinus scans:
The sinuses are within the window.
Patient head appears facing sideways.
Head is upright - not tilting forward or backward.
Space exists between the tip of nose and edge of the scout image.
The top part of the upper lip is included.
An example of a good sinus Scout View is shown below:
Note: For temporal bone imaging, a Scout may not be the best method to assess a patient's
positioning. Xoran recommends using only the laser alignment lights.
47
An example of a poor sinus Scout View is shown below. Improper patient positioning is indicated
by the visibility of the maxilla and upper teeth, and no space in front of the nose.
For temporal bone scans:
The temporal bone area is centered in the Scout View image.
Caution: Make sure that all required radiation safety procedures are complied with
before proceeding.
Warning: To stop the scanner in case of an emergency, press the Emergency Stop (E-
Stop) button.
Note: A timer will inform the user when the next acquisition can be performed. Sequential
acquisitions must be at least 10 minutes apart.
49
5. Remind the patient not to move.
6. Click OK. The scan acquisition will begin.
The acquisition will take 20 seconds or less.
The overhead gantry will rotate around the patient and a series of X-ray images will be
acquired.
While the X-ray source is turned on, the system will make a chirping sound.
When the scan is complete, the overhead gantry will rewind to its original position.
7. Reconstruction will begin automatically. This takes approximately one minute.
Note: If the 3D window is not in view, refer to Section 7.7 to enable the 3D view.
This chapter explains how to open a study, view images using various viewing options and tools,
make annotations and select images for output.
7.1 Open Study
1. To open the study from the Patient Database, click the [+] next to the patient's name to view
records listed under that patient.
2. Double click on the Recon study you wish to view.
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3. The study will open in the Multi-planar Reconstruction (MPR) window. This is the default
setting for viewing and manipulating reconstructed images. Axial, coronal, sagittal, and 3D views
are all visible at once.
Tip: An overlay containing patient's name and other information appears in the upper left corner.
Press <Ctrl-O> to toggle this text on and off.
User-selected slices are displayed (see next section on how to select
slices).
To change the view, click on the desired view option in the navigation menu. For example, clicking
Coronal will present the coronal series of slices as shown below.
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7.3 Select Slices
The Selected Slices view option allows you to view slices which have been selected by the user.
Slices can be selected in order to be printed or exported.
1. Select a view option in the navigation menu (Axial, Coronal, Sagittal, or MPR).
2. Click SELECT in the lower-right corner of any image to select the image.
The Range Indicator is a convenient way to select a series of slices. It appears as a colored bar with
tick marks representing the locations of selected slices. The spacing between tick marks represents
the pitch.
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Click on the Range Indicator and drag it side to side to move the entire selected series all at once.
7.4 Viewing Tools
Zoom
1. Select the Pan/Zoom tool from the toolbar.
2. Place the cursor anywhere in the image (except over the colored lines).
Each viewing window has colored vertical and horizontal lines called cut-plane lines. The lines
represent the location of the other two views shown in the MPR window.
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For example, in the Sagittal view shown below:
The green line represents the Axial slice plane.
The orange line represents the Coronal slice plane.
Cut-plane lines can be moved by clicking and dragging. This causes the images in the
other view windows to change.
Two cut-plane lines may be moved together simultaneously by grabbing the lines at their
intersection.
Select Set Window/Level to manually adjust the window and level values for an image
and save adjusted values as a new preset.
Rotate
The Rotate tool allows images to be rotated in MPR view.
Find the double-ended arrow on the right side of the image.
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Click and drag the arrow up and down to rotate the image.
Rotation angle adjustments are recorded in the patient information overlay, listed as alpha,
beta and gamma angles (values in degrees).
Images can be restored to their original non-rotated orientations by selecting the RestoreOriginal Tilt option from the Toolbox menu, or by pressing Ctrl + T.
The tools below allow you to make distance measurements and create comment overlays on images.
All measurement and annotation tools can be used in any window where images are displayed. To
view annotations within a scan, click the appropriate annotation within the Regions area.
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Distance Tool
In the MPR viewer, the Distance Tool measures the distance between two points on an image (in
millimeters).
1. Click on the Distance Tool icon in the toolbar to activate the tool.
.Left-click on the starting point of your desired measurement.
Click once on each endpoint. Do not hold mouse button down.
.Move the cursor to the end point of your desired measurement and left-click. A distance
Note: The distance values are millimeters.
Line Options
Description
Change Name
Changes the name of the line.
Change Color
Changes the line color.
Set current color as default
Sets the current color of the line as the default color for subsequent
lines.
value will appear.
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Line objects can be moved by left-clicking the line and dragging it to the desired location.
Line objects can be modified by right-clicking the line. A drop-down menu will appear
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring
the object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object
from the Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Delete
Deletes the line object.
Circle and Rectangle Tools
Note: The units of the mean and standard deviation values are in Hounsfield units
The Circle and Rectangle Tools allow a region of any image to be selected and report statistics of
the image region within the shape outline.
1. Click on the Circle Tool icon or the Rectangle Tool icon in the toolbar to activate
the tool.
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2. Left-click on the center of the target region.
Click once. Do not hold mouse button down.
3. Left-click again on the edge of the target region, and a shape object will appear. The mean,
standard deviation and surface area values will appear inside the ellipse.
Shape objects can be moved by left-clicking the line and dragging it to the desired
location.
Shape objects can be modified by right-clicking the line. A drop-down menu will appear
with the following options:
Sets the current color of the shape as the default color for subsequent
shapes.
Visible
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring the
object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object from the
Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Shape
Changes the shape to a rectangle, ellipse, circle or square.
Delete
Deletes the shape object.
Text Tool
Text can be added to an image. This simple but flexible tool can be useful for labeling anatomical
features or making notes.
1. Click on the Text Tool icon or the Label Tool icon from the toolbar.
2. Left-click and drag the cursor diagonally on an area of the image where the text box will be
located. Click again to release. Double-click on the word Text or Label, and begin typing.
Set the current color of the font as the default font color for
subsequent text boxes.
Visible
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring
the object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object
from the Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Text and Label objects can be moved by left-clicking inside the box and dragging it to the
desired location.
Text and Label objects can be modified by either double-clicking inside the box or by
right-clicking inside the box. A drop-down menu will appear with the following options:
A new entry appears in the Regions menu as "Oblique 1". You can toggle between this
view and others by selecting the desired view in the navigation menu (top right corner), or
clicking on the view in the Regions menu.
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The image on the left side shows the oblique pathway.
The image at the top right shows the cut along the oblique pathway.
The slice thickness is 0.4 mm and can be changed by left-clicking on the Slice Thickness
(ST) value in the top right corner of the image and selecting a new value.
The thumbnail images in the bottom right frame are cuts that are perpendicular to the
oblique pathway. These are equally spaced along the length of the oblique pathway.
The highlighted thumbnail image indicates the location within the oblique pathway, as
represented by the perforated line on the left image and the top right image.
Move the oblique line by hovering over it with the cursor until it is active (it will change
Oblique Options
Description
Change Name
Changes the name of the object.
color), grabbing it by holding down the left mouse button and dragging it to the desired
location.
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Make changes to the oblique line by moving the cursor over it until the oblique line changes
color and then right-clicking the mouse. A drop-down menu will appear with options.
Make similar changes by right-clicking the corresponding oblique line in the Navigation
menu and choosing from the menu options.
Sets the current color of the oblique object as the default color for
subsequent oblique objects.
Visible
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring
the object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object
from the Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Go To
Opens the Oblique window (the new screen that appears after you
define an oblique line).
Delete
Deletes the oblique line.
Insert Point
Inserts an additional point to the oblique object.
Delete Point
Deletes the selected point from the oblique object.
Two Points Oblique Tool
1. Click on the Two Points Oblique icon . When this icon is active, you have the ability to
flatten oblique and curved objects into a two-dimensional view.
2. Left-click to deposit two points along the desired pathway. An example is shown below (a
yellow line with cross hairs representing the click points).
A new entry appears in the navigation menu as "Two Points Oblique 1". You can toggle
between this view and others by selecting the desired view in the navigation menu (top
right corner), or clicking on the view in the Regions menu.
The image on the left side shows the oblique pathway.
The image on the lower right shows the cut along the oblique pathway.
The slice thickness is 0.4 mm and can be changed by left-clicking on the Slice Thickness
(ST) value in the top right corner of the image and selecting a new value.
Move the oblique line by hovering over it with the cursor until it is active (it will change
color), grabbing it by holding down the left mouse button, and dragging it to the desired
location.
Make changes to the oblique line by moving the cursor over it until the oblique line
changes color and then right-clicking the mouse. A drop-down menu will appear with
options. Make similar changes by right-clicking the corresponding oblique line in the
Navigation menu and choosing from the menu options.
Sets the current color of the Two Points Oblique object as the
default color for subsequent Two Points Oblique objects.
Visible
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring
the object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object
from the Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Go To
Takes you to the Oblique window (the screen that appears after
you define an oblique line).
Delete
Deletes the oblique line.
TMJ Tool
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) tool can be used in the Axial plane.
1. Click on the TMJ icon . When this icon is active, you have the ability to look at the
temporal mandibular joints in a two-dimensional view.
2. Left-click below and to the right of the patient's left condyle (this is a radiological view, so
patient's left is the right side of the image). Alternatively, you could choose a point below and to
the left of the patient's right condyle. The point chosen for this example is highlighted with the red
arrow.
3. Move the cursor up and to the right (patient's left) to deposit the second point. The line that
connects these two points should cross over the center of the joint. The second point chosen for
this example is highlighted with the red arrow.
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As soon as this point is selected, the letter "L" appears over this line, indicating the patient's left. A
second line appears on the patient's right side that may or may not be over the right condyle. You
can move this line so that it is positioned properly.
A new entry appears in the Navigation menu as "TMJ 1". You can toggle between this
view and others by selecting the desired view in the navigation menu (top right corner), or
clicking on the view in the Regions menu.
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The two images in the upper right portion of the screen are the right and left image cuts
along the TMJ lines.
The default slice thickness is 5.2 mm and can be changed by left-clicking on the Slice
Thickness (ST) value in the top right corner of each image and selecting a new value.
The two panes of small images are cuts that are perpendicular to the TMJ lines. These are
equally spaced along the length of each TMJ line.
Move the TMJ lines by hovering over them with the cursor until they are active (they will
change color), grabbing them by holding down the left mouse button, and dragging them to
the desired location.
Make changes to the TMJ lines by moving the cursor over them until the TMJ lines change
color and then right-clicking with the mouse. A drop-down menu will appear with
options. Make similar changes by right-clicking the corresponding TMJ lines in the
Navigation menu and choosing from the following menu options:
Sets the current color of the TMJ object as the default color for
subsequent TMJ objects.
Visible
De-selecting this option makes the line disappear from view. Bring
the object back to view by right-clicking the corresponding object
from the Regions menu and selecting Visible.
Go To
Takes you to the TMJ window (the screen that appears after you
define a pair of TMJ lines).
Delete
Deletes the pair of TMJ lines.
7.7 3D Viewing Window
To enable the 3D viewing window, click the Tools menu from the Patient Database and select Show
3D.
To reconstruct the 3D window after an acquisition, click Show in the bottom-right corner of the 3D
plane in the MPR window.
The Modality Worklist Client software allows patient demographic information to be electronically
transmitted to the MiniCAT™ scanner so that the operator does not need to enter the data
manually. The imaging order is placed electronically (by an external information system) and a
DICOM file is generated containing patient demographic information which is sent to the
MiniCAT™. The scanner operator simply selects the patient name from a list of scans that have
been ordered and performs the scan. The scan image data is attached to the demographic data and
sent out to the facility PACS system. An active internet connection is required to use the Modality
Worklist Client.
Query
A Query searches the hospital database for user-defined information.
1. Select a Worklist Server from the drop-down menu.
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2. Enter as much patient-specific data as possible in the appropriate fields.
4. Select a record to accept into the Patient Database. Click Accept. All applicable data is
automatically imported from the server into the Patient Database.
When a patient record in the server is similar (i.e. two records have the same patient name and same
birthdate) to a patient record already in the Patient Database, you can either merge the records by
checking the box next to the patient name, or create a new record if they are different patients.
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If you choose to merge the records, inconsistent data will be highlighted in red. Click Yes to merge
the data.
Automatically prints the images in the Selected Images window. The
default image layout is 3 rows by 2 columns.
Export Xoran Study
Exports Xoran study data to either a CD or USB flash drive.
Burn DICOM CD
Burns a Xoran image data onto a CD in DICOM format, which is
compatible with most IGS systems.
Export to HTML
Exports a Xoran study in HTML format, viewable on any computer with
a browser such as Internet Explorer.
Export to DICOM
Axial
Exports the axial slices of a Xoran study onto a CD in DICOM format.
Export to JPEG
Exports a Xoran study in JPEG picture format.
DICOM Push
Allows a study to be uploaded to a DICOM server such as a PACS
system. Call Xoran Customer Service to help set this up.
The MiniCAT™ makes image output easy with preset protocols for printing, burning to CD/USB
drive and transferring images over a network.
1. If printing, ensure that the desired slices appear under Selected Slices view.
2. Click the Image Output menu (along the main toolbar of the screen) to view all output
protocols.
3. Left-click on the desired image output protocol. A sample list of Output Protocols are shown
below. For additional protocols, please contact Xoran Customer Service.
MiniCAT™ is a compact, upright, volume computed tomography
(VCT) imaging system designed for high-resolution, low-radiation
imaging of the sinuses, skull base and temporal bones.
600 Frame Sinus: 120 kVp / 48 mAs
300 Frame Sinus: 120 kVp / 24 mAs
150 Frame Sinus: 120 kVp / 12 mAs
T Bone 20s (600): 125 kVp / 58 mAs
T Bone 40s (600) (ISI): 125 kVp / 76 mAs
T Bone 40s (600) (SourceRay) 125 kVp / 58 mAs
The following table gives the tomographic section thickness for each imaging protocol with maximum
deviations.
Measuring Nominal Tomographic Section Thickness is obtained by finding the full-width halfmaximum (FWHM) resolution of the Slice Sensitivity Profile (SSP). The SSP is obtained by
scanning a small, sub-voxel bead in the QC module. However, the nominal tomographic section
thickness is fixed for each protocol and is not selectable prior to acquisition.
The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is the amplitude frequency response of the imaging
protocol and is a commonly used measure of system blur. The MTF profiles are given in the figures
Lower bounds on 50% and 10% contrast cut-off frequencies for MTFs of
different protocols in units of oscillations per centimeter
Protocol
50% Contrast
10% Contrast
Sinus 20s (600), Sinus 40s (600)
3.33
6.00
Sinus 10s (300), Sinus 20s (300)
3.33
6.00
Sinus 10s (150)
3.33
6.00
T Bone 20s (600), T Bone 40s (600)
5.00
10.00
Maximum Deviation: The spatial frequency corresponding to the 50% and 10% contrast levels
in the MTF graphs will have the guaranteed lower bounds listed in the table below.
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Apparatus
The apparatus for MTF measurement consists of an acrylic cylinder phantom, 10 cm in diameter and
2.5 cm long axially, embedded with a tungsten wire filament. The tungsten wire filament is 50
microns in diameter.
Data Acquisition Methodology
An acquisition and reconstruction of the phantom is made in the desired imaging mode, with the
tungsten filament centered horizontally in the field of view and vertically about the equatorial plane of
the scanner (the plane of rotation of the focal spot). The vertical axis of the phantom should be
aligned as closely as possible with the z-axis of the scanner. Note that, the vertical axis of the
phantom is NOT the axis parallel to the wire filament. Rather it is the axis around which the
acrylic casing of the wire is circularly symmetric. The phantom was positioned to maximize the
view of the axial length of the phantom. More viewable slices translate into more data for estimation
and improved MTF estimation accuracy.
Secondary scatter radiation was measured on the MiniCAT™ at 6 azimuthal locations A through F
and at radii 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 meters from isocenter and in the same plane as the central slice (i.e.
level with the focal spot) which was approximately 120 centimeters above the floor (see diagram
below).
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The MiniCAT™ was operated at 120 kVp and 48.3 mAs per Sinus 20s (600) protocol for all
secondary radiation measurements reported.