What is Viatronix V3D CT Colonography?
CTC - is a noninvasive test that helps physicians diagnose medical conditions, such as polyps, in the colon (large intestine), by viewing the detailed 3D image of the colon, and performing a "real time volume rendered virtual fly-through" to see the inside walls of the colon.
A CT scan is performed of the abdominal and pelvic area. The CT images are then transferred to the Viatronix computer system. The system converts these 2D CT images into a 3D volume image of the colon. The Viatronix system automatically segments the colon (large intestine) for a clear view to be reviewed on the computer monitor screen.

Why is CTC performed?
The main reason for performing CT colonography is to screen for polyps and masses in the colon. Polyps are protrusions that grow from the inside wall of the colon. If left undiagnosed, polyps can grow and possibly turn into cancer.

The Viatronix V3D Computer System provides the physician with state of the art tools so polyps can be found early while they are still small, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Exam Preparation:
The exam requires colonic preparation (cleansing of the large intestine) consisting of a diet, laxative and contrast tagging agents. The VC colon prep is not as harsh as standard optical colonoscopy preps and easier for the patient to tolerate. You will need to take the mild laxative, along with drinking of the oral contrast agent for stool and liquid tagging.
You can either follow the clear liquid diet prep or the low residue diet prep. Both preps require drinking the contrast agents. The decision on the type of diet will be made by the physician at the site offering the CT Colonography exam. The Viatronix V3D-Colon software offers Electronic Cleansing that will automatically subtract out any residual tagged stool or residual tagged fluid from the 3D colon image to allow the physician to clearly view polyps, including polyps hiding under fluid.
Since CT Colonography / Virtual Colonoscopy does not require any sedation, another benefit is that you can resume normal activity immediately after the exam is done.

Exam Procedure:
On the day of the exam you will go and get a quick CT scan at the hospital or the medical facility that your physician direct you to go to.
You will have usually have two quick CT scans. One scan will be done while lying on your back and another on your stomach. Sometimes one maybe taken while lying down side-ways. Each scan takes less than a minute.
Prior to the scan, the colon is inflated with either room air or CO2 (carbon dioxide). When it is empty the colon usually collapses. Therefore it is necessary to inflate the colon so that the inside walls of the colon can be viewed and examined. To obtain this, a small tube will be placed in the patient's rectum. Through this tube, the air or CO2 will be pumped in the colon. Sometime patients experience a feeling of pressure or fullness, but usually no pain. Once the colon if filled, you will be ready for scan.
The CT technologist will then move you into the scanner and ask you to hold very still. You will have your arms above your head, so they are out of the way of your abdominal area. You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the actual scan, to ensure there is no movement on the images. This is usually less than 15 seconds.
Once the scan is completed, you will be moved out of the scanner, allowed to leave, and return to normal activities. The images are immediately transferred to the Viatronix V3D Computer for interpretation. Usually the time it takes a patient dress and go back to the waiting room, the exam is ready to be read by the physician.

Sending the report to your physician:
Some radiologists also sit down with their patients and show the exam on the computer and discuss the report with the. Other radiologists will review the images and send a report to the patient's referring physician.
Some radiologists make same day referral to a gastroenterologist in case a polyp is found and has to be removed.

Benefits of Viatronix V3D Colon Module:

• Calls for more comfortable, agreeable preparation
  
  
• Provides more accurate examination results as show in multiple clinical trials over the past 10 years
  
  
• Offers multiple diagnostic tools for the examining physician
  
  
• Offers a non-invasive alternative
  
  
• Takes significantly less time
  
  
• Does not require sedation
  
  
• Benefits for Insurers/Self-Insured Employers
  
  
• A fraction of the cost of optical colonoscopy
  
  
• Potentially greater patient compliance through increased patient use. Several screening studies done on Viatronix has shown significant increase in patient compliance for this type of an exam
  
  
• Greater compliance and resulting early polyp detection/removal increases the probability of avoidance of high cost cancer cases
  
  
• Less time away from work for the procedure