Diagnostic imagers at Davies Veterinary Specialists have been exploring the power and 3D resolution of their new CT scanner, and have come up with a fascinating virtual CT bronchoscopy (VB) that tracks the airways of a dog.

A movie of the bronchoscopy can be seen here: http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk%20/06_Animal_Welfare/Services/Diagnostic_Imaging.html

Using the multiple image slices generated, and considerable computing power, virtual broncoscopy allows the user to navigate through the images as if within the actual airway. In human medicine VB is commonly used in diagnostic procedures such as guided biopsy, pre-surgical planning and teaching. It may be combined with real bronchoscopy to facilitate lesion localisation and sampling.

Jerry Davies, managing director of DVS and RCVS Specialist in veterinary diagnostic imaging explains: “Whilst the usefulness of this technique in veterinary medicine remains to be explored, the exciting potential applications include anatomic assessment of the airway, foreign body localisation and pre-surgical planning.”

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