First-in-Canada CT scanner debuts in Vancouver

A new photon-counting CT scanner at BC Cancer-Vancouver is shown. (Provincial Health Services Authority)

B.C. is now home to the most advanced CT scanner in the country, health officials say.

The new machine will perform about 14,000 scans per year at BC Cancer’s Vancouver location.

The scanner uses brand-new photon-counting technology, which BC Cancer says provides more accurate imaging and lessens radiation exposure to patients compared to conventional CTs.

Standard CT scanners turn X-Ray photons into light, which is then converted into an electrical signal to make an image, explained Dr. Maura Brown, medical lead of diagnostic imaging at BC Cancer—Vancouver.

The photon-counting scanner, on the other hand, converts X-Ray photons directly into electrical signals, which gives radiologists more detailed information.

“This will help to improve cancer care and support our patients to live fuller, healthier lives both during their care and beyond,” Brown said. “We’re very fortunate to have access to this for our people, which is amazing.”

The centre’s previous CT Scanner was in use for 12 years and was reaching the end of its life, she added. The new machine cost $6 million, half of which came from the province and the other from the BC Cancer Foundation.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Spencer Harwood