Asto CT from Inception to Present Day and the Future

Since its inception in 2015, Asto CT has been dedicated to advancing veterinary imaging, particularly in the field of equine care. Our journey began with a bold vision: to create a computed tomography (CT) scanner tailored to the unique needs of equine patients. Today, we are proud to reflect on our journey from conception to the present day, where Asto CT stands as a pioneer in equine diagnostic imaging.

Pictured Below: Cee, first horse scanned with the Equina by Asto CT at the PDSI manufacturing facility in 2015, along with Tufts University Equine Surgeon, Carl Kirker-Head, Vet.M.B., DACVS, DECVS.

Proof of Concept:

The initial concept was to develop a CT scanner specifically designed for horses who suffer from several debilitating conditions such as limb fractures, lameness, and tooth and sinus problems.  The design of the scanner had to be rugged enough to account for the fact that our “patient” is much larger, heavier, and stronger than human patients. To develop our scanner, named Equina®, our team needed to build a CT gantry with robotics so that the horse can walk onto a platform, and the CT gantry can rise slowly and quietly around the legs, or rotate and scan the head and neck to safely collect images.

Video Below: First rendering of the Equina, compared to our most recent version. You can see that the scanner stays flush to the floor and the materials, colors, and design are optimized for Equine patients.

View the 3D Equina Model here: Asto CT (levit3d.com)

Focus on Safety:

Safety has always been paramount in our endeavors. In the early stages of development, we implemented innovative safety features to maximize protection for equine patients and handlers alike. This included specialized padding on the flooring to minimize impact and ensure stability, as well as a toe shield to prevent limb entrapment during the scanning procedure. Furthermore, lead shielding was integrated to significantly reduce radiation exposure, allowing handlers to remain in the room with patients during scanning, fostering a sense of reassurance and control.

 

Expanding Applications:

As Asto CT evolved, so too did our aspirations. We recognized the potential to expand the applications of our scanner beyond standing patients. Embracing this challenge, we ventured into the realm of scanning patients under general anesthesia, unlocking new possibilities for comprehensive diagnostic imaging. This expansion has provided clinicians with a complete overview of pathologies, particularly in the caudal neck region where conditions such as wobbler's syndrome are commonly found. By offering swift and safe diagnosis to patients requiring full anesthesia, we have empowered veterinarians to make informed treatment decisions with confidence.

Future Promise:

The future of Asto CT is brimming with promise and potential. As we continue to innovate, our focus remains on maximizing the utility of the Equina scanner. We are committed to enhancing image quality to ensure precise and accurate diagnosis for every equine patient. Our dedication to pushing the boundaries of veterinary imaging knows no bounds, fueled by endless creativity and unwavering determination. The evolution of the Equina is just the beginning – we envision a future where Asto CT continues to diagnose a myriad of pathologies with unparalleled speed and efficiency, revolutionizing equine healthcare even more. With safety at the forefront and innovation driving our endeavors, we stand poised to shape the future of equine diagnostics, one scan at a time.