Project Title: Equine Cone-Beam CT
Sponsor: Carestream Health
Contact: Dr. Lawrence A. Ray
Problem statement, Area of investigation, unmet clinical need, etc.
CT imaging of equines yields significant amounts of important information regarding the health and development of a horse. However, performing a CT scan of a horse is a difficult operation and is often injurious to the horse. A major reason for this is that the horse needs to be fully anesthetized prior to the examination and the effort to position the horse can cause injuries as well as muscle and nerve damage caused by being on its side or back. A potential method of reducing these injuries and making the process of performing a CT better for the horse is a standing cone-beam scan. However, the design of the scanner to meet the needs of the horse and examiner requires a new approach. The physical requirements as well as the mechanical and equipment need to be considered. A cone-beam scanner is a precision instrument requiring the ability to maintain close tolerances while working with very large and powerful animals. The project will be designing the physical system to house the scanner as well as the environmental concerns of the horse. It is envisioned that the system will need work in multiple positions, be self-shielding and work with the behaviors of a horse..
Project field:
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The goal of the project is to develop a design for a cone-beam CT scanner suitable to scan equines in a standing position. Ideally the same system will be able to scan all portions of the legs, hooves, teeth and sinus regions. The system needs to the ability for the horse to enter and exit the scanner simply without damaging the equipment or the horse. Design must develop means to minimize the movement of the horse within the device, while maintain a level of tranquility.
Criteria for success or key milestones
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- Enable a horse to enter and exit the scanner with minimal distress
- Be able to scan all legs and hooves sequentially
- Provide adequate room for the CBCT system to operate
- Be reconfigured to scan dental and sinus regions
- Be sufficiently quiet during start-up and operation so as not to startle the horse.
- The scanner should be self-shielded to protect the operator
Other relevant materials or resources needed for the project.
The Cornell Veterinary School will provide access to horses and staff for discussions, guidance and evaluation of design. The prototype materials will be provided by the sponsor as well as guidance on a regular and as needed basis.