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Cone Beam CT

Cone beam CT is an advanced imaging technique that provides high-resolution, 3D images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Widely used in interventional radiology, this technology enhances precision during procedures by offering real-time visualization of complex anatomy. Cone beam CT is particularly valuable for guiding minimally invasive treatments, such as biopsies, tumor ablations, and vascular interventions. With its ability to deliver detailed imaging while minimizing radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, cone beam CT has become an essential tool for improving procedural outcomes and patient care.

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Ep 376 New Frontiers in Spinal Tumor Ablation & Augmentation with Dr. Dana Dunleavy

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Pre Cone Beam CT Prep

Indications

• Liver directed therapy
• Prostate artery embolization
• Vertebral augmentation
• Gastrostomy tubes without preoperative cross sectional imaging
• Celiac plexus neurolysis
• Difficult nephrostomy tube access
• And more

How to Achieve High Quality Cone-Beam CT

• REPETITION
• Perform cone-beam CT routinely to get you and staff trained and comfortable

Cone Beam CT Podcasts

Listen to leading physicians discuss cone beam ct on the BackTable VI Podcast. Get tips, tricks, and expert guidance from your peers and level up your practice.

Procedure Steps

Room and Patient Setup

• Light sedation vs local only – important for breath holding
• Coach patient on breathing in preprocedural area
• IV location: left arm, away from elbow or locations predisposed to kinking
• BP cuff: left arm or on leg
• Arms by side but not tucked or restrained to allow for quick arms-up position
• C-arm position: left side of patient (as opposed to prop spin) - helps avoid C-arm getting caught on tubes and lines
• Femoral access may be easier for some operators

Cone-Beam CT Parameters

• Motion trumps photons
• Choose spin with shortest acquisition time
• Low-dose spins may provide better pictures than high dose/high quality spin because of shorter acquisition times
• Breath hold on end expiration

Injection Tips

• suggests below were taken from Episode 51 - Cone Beam CT Techniques
• Delay time: time from contrast injection to spin acquisition beginning
• 8 second delay for mCRC – parenchymal phase
• Goal: injections with antegrade flow without reflux

Dr. Bourgeois’ approximate injections for right and left lobe
• Dr. Bourgeois’ approximate right hepatic artery: 2.5 mL/s for 25 ml (or 2.0 for 20)
• Dr. Bourgeois’ approximate left hepatic artery: 1 mL/s for 10 ml (or 1.5 for 15)
• Shorter delay times between 2-4 seconds if interested in arterial anatomy or hypervascular tumors
Dr. Beck's approximate injections for right and left lobe
• Injection rates for mCRC: RHA: 2 ml/s for 22 mL with 6 second delay
• Injection rates for mCRC: LHA: 1 ml/s for 11 mL with 6 second delay

Equipment

• Microcatheter
• High Pressure: 1200 PSI
• Shorter length allows for slightly better flow rates
• 130cm length as opposed to 150 cm from wrist
• If using shorter endhole catheter (65 cm instead of 80 cm), can try using 110 cm microcatheter

Contrast

• Contrast dilution: typically 50:50 dilution
• Examples: 50 mL contrast and 50 cc normal saline
• Agitate contrast mixture occasionally so that saline and contrast mix well

Cone Beam CT Articles

Read our exclusive BackTable VI Articles for quick insights on cone beam ct, provided by physicians for physicians.

Cone Beam CT Demos

Watch video walkthroughs of cone beam ct on the BackTable VI expanded content network.

Cone Beam CT Tools

Check out cone beam ct apps, calculators, and decision aids to assist you in your day to day practice.

References

[1] Lucatelli P, Argirò R, Bascetta S, et al. Single injection dual phase CBCT technique ameliorates results of trans-arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular cancer. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;2:83. Published 2017 Oct 24. doi:10.21037/tgh.2017.10.03
[2] Wallace MJ, Kuo MD, Glaiberman C, et al. Three-dimensional C-arm cone-beam CT: applications in the interventional suite. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2008;19(6):799‐813. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2008.02.018
[3] Issacson A. Get familiar with PAE. Interventional Oncology Learning. Available from https://www.iolearning.com/PAE

Disclaimer: The Materials available on https://www.BackTable.com/ are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.