Laboratory-based x-ray phase contrast CT technology for clinical intra-operative specimen imaging

The design of an X-ray phase contrast tomography system for intra-operative specimen imaging based on edge illumination is presented. The use of edge illumination makes possible working with large focus, polychromatic X-ray sources reducing acquisition times of tomography scans down to values compatible with clinical use, while maintaining phase sensitivity in a compact device. The results collected so far show that application of this technology to breast conservation surgery has great potential to reduce re-operations, thus saving additional costs for healthcare services and stress for patients.