640-chip Aquilion One Prism device for disease diagnosis

In modern medicine, accuracy and speed are the keys to correct diagnosis and effective treatment. The Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner, developed by Canon Medical Systems, represents a true revolution in computed tomography imaging. It combines advanced technology, ultra-fast scanning speed, and exceptional image quality to provide highly precise information for both doctors and patients.This device is not limited to imaging a single part of the body. Instead, it can examine the heart, brain, chest, abdomen, and even pediatric cases, while minimizing radiation exposure to the lowest possible level.In this Dalili Medical guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice scanner, including its technical advantages, different types, medical applications, usage procedures, potential risks, and practical tips for patients before, during, and after the scan. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions.

What is the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner?

The Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice is one of the most advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners available today. It is designed to capture ultra-high-resolution images of all body organs in a very short time. This system combines exceptional speed and accuracy and is used to image the heart, brain, lungs, abdomen, and blood vessels with remarkable precision, helping doctors achieve early and accurate diagnosis.

What is the difference between the 640-slice scanner and traditional CT scanners?

Ultra-fast speed:
It can capture images of the heart or even large body areas in almost a single heartbeat, significantly reducing scan time.

High precision:
It provides highly detailed images of muscles, joints, and blood vessels, allowing doctors to diagnose conditions more accurately.

Lower radiation dose:
Compared with some conventional CT scanners, it uses advanced dose-reduction technology, making it safer for patients.

Ideal for emergencies and children:
Its speed and accuracy make it especially useful in emergency cases and for children who require shorter scan times.

Is the scan painful?

No, a CT scan using the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice scanner is not painful.
Some patients may feel mild discomfort from lying still or a temporary warm sensation if contrast dye is used, but this sensation usually disappears quickly.

Is the scan safe?

Yes, the scanner uses advanced radiation dose-reduction technologies, making it safe for most patients.
However, unnecessary scans should be avoided, especially for children and pregnant women, unless medically required.

Do I need contrast dye?

Some scans require intravenous contrast dye to improve visualization of blood vessels and internal organs.

Your doctor will decide based on your medical condition and the type of scan. If you have kidney problems or allergies, you should inform your doctor before the scan.

How long does the scan take?

Most scans take only a few minutes.

For example, a complete heart scan can be performed in a single heartbeat.

More detailed scans may take 10–20 minutes depending on the medical requirements.

Do I need anesthesia?

Most scans do not require anesthesia.

In children or patients with severe anxiety, a mild sedative may be used under medical supervision to ensure comfort.

Can the scanner be used for children?

Yes, the system is designed with special radiation-reduction features for pediatric patients, making it relatively safe.

It is useful for diagnosing:

Congenital abnormalities
Heart diseases
Brain conditions
Pediatric tumors

Can the scan be repeated?

Yes, the scan can be repeated if medically necessary. However, unnecessary repeated scans should be avoided to minimize radiation exposure unless required for diagnosis or follow-up.

Can it image all body organs?

Yes, the scanner is highly versatile and can image:

Heart and coronary arteries
Brain and nervous system
Chest and lungs
Abdomen and pelvis
Bones and joints

Can pregnant women undergo this scan?

CT scans are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

In such cases, doctors may recommend safer alternatives such as:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Ultrasound

What does “640 slices” mean?

The term “640 slices” refers to the number of image slices the scanner can capture in a single rotation around the patient’s body.

The higher the number of slices:

✔️ The faster the scan
✔️ The higher the image resolution
✔️ The less need for repeat scans
✔️ The better the visibility of fine internal details

With 640 slices, the Aquilion ONE Prism can scan large body areas in seconds, making it ideal for sensitive examinations such as cardiac and vascular imaging.

Types of Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice scanners

The Aquilion ONE Prism comes in specialized configurations depending on medical imaging needs.

1. Cardiac CT Scanner

This version is designed specifically for imaging the heart and coronary arteries.

It can capture images in nearly a single heartbeat, reducing motion artifacts caused by heart movement.

It is used to evaluate:

Coronary artery narrowing
Heart valves
Heart muscle function

2. Neuro CT Scanner

This version focuses on imaging the brain and cerebral blood vessels.

It provides high-resolution images for diagnosing:

Brain hemorrhage
Stroke
Brain tumors

It is especially valuable in emergency situations requiring rapid diagnosis.

3. Thoraco-Abdominal CT Scanner

This version is designed to image:

Lungs
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis

It helps diagnose:

Tumors
Infections
Vascular blockages or aneurysms

It is ideal for comprehensive full-body evaluation.

4. Pediatric CT Scanner

This version is optimized to minimize radiation exposure in children.

It is used to image:

Pediatric brain and heart
Congenital abnormalities
Pediatric tumors

It often provides clear images without requiring full anesthesia.

5. Multi-Purpose / Hybrid CT Scanner

This configuration combines all applications in one system.

It can image:

Heart
Brain
Abdomen and pelvis
Musculoskeletal system

It allows comprehensive, fast scanning with minimal radiation exposure.

How the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice scanner is used

First: Preparation before the scan

Patient preparation includes:

Wearing comfortable clothing
Removing metal objects such as jewelry, belts, or glasses, as they may affect image quality
Fasting for a few hours if required for certain types of scans
Receiving contrast dye intravenously if needed to improve visualization of blood vessels and internal organs

Second: Patient positioning inside the scanner

The patient lies on the scanner’s motorized examination table.

The table moves slowly into the circular opening of the scanner, called the gantry.

The patient may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds to ensure clear and accurate images.

Third: Performing the scan

The scanner rotates rapidly around the patient’s body and captures up to 640 image slices in nearly a single rotation.

Depending on the type of scan:

Cardiac scan:
A single heartbeat is often sufficient to obtain precise images of the heart and coronary arteries.

Brain or abdominal scan:
A sequence of images is captured and reconstructed into highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) images of internal organs.

Fourth: Image processing and analysis

The collected data is transmitted to a computer workstation for processing.

The system generates:

High-resolution two-dimensional (2D) images
Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images
Detailed visualizations of blood vessels and blood flow

These images help physicians analyze structures and identify abnormalities accurately.

Fifth: Post-scan medical applications

Doctors can use the detailed images to:

Plan surgical procedures with greater precision
Monitor treatment response, such as tumor shrinkage or arterial narrowing improvement
Support multidisciplinary consultations to determine the most effective treatment plan

Sixth: Advantages of the scanning process

Fast scanning:
Reduces the time the patient spends inside the scanner.

Patient comfort:
The procedure is painless and usually does not require full anesthesia.

Versatile applications:
Can be used for imaging the heart, brain, lungs, abdomen, bones, and pediatric cases.

Radiation safety:
Advanced dose-control technologies minimize radiation exposure.

High diagnostic accuracy:
Provides detailed visualization of organs and tissues, improving diagnostic confidence.

Components of the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner

The system includes several essential components that ensure high-speed and high-accuracy imaging.

1. Gantry (Rotating Ring)

This is the circular structure that rotates around the patient during the scan.

It contains:

The X-ray tube
Advanced detector systems

It enables rapid acquisition of high-quality images.

2. Patient Table

The motorized table moves smoothly in and out of the scanner.

It ensures precise positioning of the patient for accurate imaging of the target area.

3. Detector Array

The detector array consists of 640 rows of electronic detectors.

It captures a massive amount of imaging data in a very short time, enabling ultra-high-resolution imaging.

4. Computer Workstation

This workstation converts raw scan data into diagnostic images.

It includes advanced software for:

Image reconstruction
3D visualization
Image enhancement and analysis

Technical advantages of the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner

The Aquilion ONE Prism, developed by Canon Medical Systems, is one of the most advanced CT scanners in modern medicine.

1. Unprecedented scanning speed

It can image large parts of the body in a single heartbeat or within seconds.

This significantly reduces scan time compared to traditional CT scanners.

It is ideal for emergency situations and cardiac imaging, where motion is rapid.

2. Extremely high spatial resolution

The 640-detector rows enable exceptionally detailed imaging, including:

Clear visualization of blood vessels
Detection of small tissue abnormalities
High-quality 3D image reconstruction

This makes it especially useful for detecting small tumors or subtle abnormalities.

3. Reduced radiation dose without compromising image quality

The scanner uses advanced dose-optimization technologies to:

Minimize radiation exposure
Maintain excellent image clarity
Improve safety, especially for repeated scans

4. Advanced image processing technology

The system includes powerful processing hardware and advanced software capable of:

Rapid 2D and 3D image reconstruction
Noise reduction and contrast enhancement
Viewing images from multiple angles simultaneously

Medical applications of the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner

This advanced scanner supports a wide range of medical diagnostic applications.

1. Cardiac and vascular imaging

It allows imaging of the entire heart in nearly a single heartbeat.

It is used for:

Detecting coronary artery narrowing
Early diagnosis of atherosclerosis
Evaluating heart muscle function
Imaging heart valves
Monitoring patients after stent placement or cardiac surgery

2. Brain imaging

It enables rapid detection of:

Brain hemorrhage
Stroke
Brain tumors
Cerebral vascular abnormalities

It is especially valuable in emergency diagnosis.

3. Chest and lung imaging

It is used for:

Early detection of lung tumors
Diagnosing infections and inflammation
Detecting pulmonary embolism
Monitoring chronic lung diseases

4. Skeletal and joint imaging

It helps diagnose:

Complex fractures
Spinal disorders such as disc herniation
Joint inflammation and sports injuries

It is also useful for surgical planning.

5. Abdomen and pelvis imaging

It helps evaluate:

Liver, pancreas, and kidney diseases
Tumors and cysts
Gastrointestinal disorders
Bladder and reproductive organ conditions

6. CT angiography (vascular imaging)

It provides non-invasive imaging of blood vessels, including:

Coronary arteries
Pulmonary arteries
Major arteries throughout the body

It is useful for detecting blockages and planning vascular procedures.

7. Emergency imaging

Its ultra-fast scanning speed makes it ideal for emergency situations such as:

Stroke
Severe trauma
Internal bleeding

Rapid diagnosis helps save lives.

8. Oncology and treatment monitoring

It helps doctors:

Evaluate tumor size and progression
Monitor treatment response
Plan surgical or radiation therapy

9. Functional imaging

The scanner can assess organ function, including:

Blood flow analysis
Heart function evaluation
Tissue perfusion assessment

10. Pediatric imaging

The system is optimized for pediatric use with reduced radiation exposure.

It helps diagnose:

Congenital abnormalities
Pediatric heart and brain conditions
Childhood tumors

In some cases, scans can be performed without full anesthesia.

5. Advanced vascular imaging (CT Angiography)

The Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice scanner provides highly accurate imaging of arteries and veins without the need for invasive procedures.

It is used for:

Imaging coronary arteries of the heart
Visualizing pulmonary arteries
Detecting blood clots and vascular narrowing
Evaluating vascular abnormalities with high precision

6. Functional organ assessment

The scanner provides functional as well as anatomical information, including:

Evaluation of blood flow within tissues
Assessment of heart performance and cardiac function
Monitoring changes in organ function over time

This helps physicians better understand disease progression and treatment effects.

7. Flexible and safe use of contrast dye

The system is fully compatible with intravenous contrast agents and includes advanced monitoring features.

Key advantages include:

Precisely calculated and controlled contrast doses
Automated monitoring of contrast distribution
Improved visualization of organs and blood vessels
High safety standards under medical supervision

8. Full-body coverage in a single scan

With its 640-slice detector system, the scanner can image large areas of the body quickly and accurately, including:

Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Heart and major blood vessels

This makes it ideal for comprehensive full-body examinations in a short time.

9. Motion correction and artifact reduction technologies

The scanner uses advanced motion-correction technologies to ensure clear imaging, even when movement occurs.

Benefits include:

Reduced image distortion caused by patient or heart motion
Intelligent compensation algorithms to maintain image clarity
Improved diagnostic accuracy, especially in cardiac imaging

10. Disease monitoring and treatment follow-up

The high-resolution images allow physicians to:

Monitor disease progression accurately
Evaluate treatment effectiveness
Compare current and previous scans to assess improvement or deterioration

This is especially useful in managing chronic diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.

Risks of the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scanner

Despite its advanced technology and safety features, there are some potential risks, although most are rare and manageable when medical guidelines are followed.

1. Radiation exposure

CT scans use X-rays to generate images, which involve a small amount of radiation exposure.

Prevention measures include:

Using protective shielding when appropriate
Avoiding unnecessary scans
Advanced dose-reduction technologies that minimize radiation exposure compared to older scanners

2. Allergic reaction to contrast dye

Rarely, some patients may experience:

Itching
Skin rash
Breathing difficulty

Prevention measures include:

Informing the doctor about any known allergies
Using low-allergy contrast alternatives
Having trained medical staff available to manage emergencies

3. Temporary side effects after contrast injection

Some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as:

Metallic taste in the mouth
Warm sensation throughout the body
Mild nausea

These symptoms usually resolve within minutes.

4. Kidney-related risks (Contrast-Induced Nephropathy)

Contrast dye may affect kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Prevention measures include:

Testing kidney function before the scan
Ensuring adequate hydration
Using the lowest effective contrast dose

5. Mild discomfort during the scan

Some patients may feel:

Discomfort from lying still
Mild pressure while the table moves into the scanner

Radiology staff ensure proper positioning and patient comfort throughout the procedure.

6. Special considerations for pregnant women

CT scans may pose risks to the fetus due to radiation exposure.

Therefore:

CT scans are avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary
Alternative imaging methods such as MRI or ultrasound may be recommended

7. Very rare complications

Rare complications may include:

Temporary fainting due to anxiety
Minor vein irritation at the injection site
Repeat scanning if initial images are unclear

These risks are uncommon and usually manageable.

8. Psychological effects

Some patients may experience anxiety or claustrophobia.

In such cases:

Medical staff provide reassurance and support
Mild sedatives may be used if necessary under medical supervision

Practical tips for patients before and after the Aquilion ONE Prism 640-slice CT scan

First: Tips before the scan

1. Communicate with your doctor

Inform your doctor if you have:

Kidney disease
Heart disease
Diabetes
Any known allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine

Your doctor may order kidney function tests before the scan.

2. Dietary preparation

You may be asked to fast for several hours before certain scans, especially abdominal or cardiac scans.

Drinking enough water helps protect kidney function and improve contrast elimination.

Avoid heavy or fatty meals before the scan.

3. Remove metal objects

Remove all metal items such as:

Jewelry
Watches
Glasses
Metal-containing clothing

These may interfere with image quality.

4. Wear appropriate clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing or a medical gown provided by the imaging center.

5. Inform the medical team if you are pregnant

If you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, inform your doctor before the scan.

Alternative imaging methods such as MRI or ultrasound may be recommended.

6. Medication guidance

Most medications can be continued as usual.

However, consult your doctor regarding medications that may affect kidney function or contrast safety.

Second: Tips after the scan

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking water helps flush contrast dye from the body and protects kidney function.

2. Monitor for symptoms

Temporary symptoms may include:

Metallic taste
Warm sensation
Mild nausea

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

Severe rash
Swelling
Breathing difficulty
Severe pain

3. Resume normal activities

Most patients can return to normal daily activities immediately after the scan.

If contrast dye was used, avoid intense physical activity for several hours.

4. Follow up on your results

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor.

Consult your physician to review the results and determine the next steps if necessary.

5. Special tips for children

Encourage children to drink fluids after the scan to help eliminate contrast dye.

Monitor for any unusual symptoms such as rash or discomfort, and inform the doctor if needed.