3D image quality of a CBCT scanner for maxillofacial intrasurgical navigation

This work aims to provide the first characterization of the Loop-X Cone-Beam CT scanner for maxillofacial applications, with a focus on patient dose and image quality in 3D acquisitions. Measurements were performed with adult and paediatric “head” protocols, using the dedicated Catphan604 phantom to evaluate the different parameters. Spatial resolution was assessed using the modular transfer function, with a limiting spatial frequency —evaluated at 10% of its maximum— of 0.60 mm−1 for the adult protocol and 0.53 mm−1 for the paediatric protocol (mean value). In addition, noise was characterized in terms of noise power spectrum (NPS) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for the adult protocol between simulated soft tissue and bone (23 ± 1) and between spinal disc and soft tissue (1 ± 1).