Early Development of Computed Tomography:

The development of the CT scanner stands as one of modern medicine's marvels. Computed tomography (CT) scans have allowed physicians to view patients' internal organs without the need for surgery, a first in medical history. Like any technological revolution, it initially sparked fierce competition among numerous entities, from start-ups to well-established corporations. By the early 1980s, the landscape of competitive standings in computerized medical imaging had solidified, with General Electric emerging as a frontrunner in this critical arena. The book recounts this era through the memories of various early development contributors. It offers perspectives from industry leaders of major companies and the reaction to true innovation. This book commemorates the groundbreaking work of scientists and engineers who, over the past fifty years, have transformed the field of medical imaging.

The development of the CT scanner is considered a miracle of modern medicine. Computed tomography (CT) scans allowed doctors to examine internal organs without surgery for the first time. During the technology revolution, various players, including start-ups and established companies, competed intensely. By the early 1980s, General Electric (GE) emerged as a leader in computerized medical imaging. The success of GE in this field was unexpected, considering that CT was invented in England by Electric and Musical Industries (EMI), which had no other medical imaging products. At that time, Siemens was the world market leader in medical imaging, and GE was only on par in X-ray imaging technology. Despite being a market leader in the U.S., GE was late in responding to this revolution. This book tells the story of GE's journey to the top. A key part of GE's success was the collaborative effort to develop a breakthrough CT scanner in record time. This achievement was a result of GE's technological strengths, entrepreneurial spirit, strategic technology investments, and luck. The book will cover various aspects, including the challenges faced by GE people, the failures of competitors and alternate technical approaches, the decline of EMI in the medical field, and Jack Welch's career before becoming the next CEO of GE. The book will also explore the state of GE Medical, the transformation of GE Research and its people, the basic technology of the CT scanner, and the challenges that needed to be solved to Improve the quality of the first CT images. Additionally, it will highlight the role of people in technology revolutions. This book commemorates the groundbreaking work of scientists and engineers who, over the past fifty years, have transformed the field of medical imaging.

Bob Senzig has 42 years of experience in the Computed Tomography field and was central to several decades of dramatic technical advances at GE's CT business. This put him in an excellent position to collect and integrate this story of the early CT development and the focus on the challenges of innovation.