New 64-Slice Imaging System Becomes Operational |
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Bryan, Texas - A new $1.4 million state-of-the art CT imaging system has just been installed at St. Joseph Regional Health Center, offering some of the latest forms of enhanced, high speed imaging that will benefit patients and their physicians.
The new GE Healthcare Lightspeed VCT (Volume Computed Tomography) offers 64-slice technology, allowing advanced diagnostic imaging to include cardiovascular disease, chest pain, cancer, orthopedics, vascular care and stroke. More than twice as fast as conventional multi-slice CT scanners, the Lightspeed VCT captures images of a beating heart in five heartbeats, an organ in one second and performs whole body trauma in ten seconds. It is especially helpful in shortening breath holds for geriatric patients, children and patients on ventilators.
In a single rotation, the system creates 64 credit card-thin images, totaling 40 millimeters of anatomical coverage. These images are combined to form a three-dimensional view of the patient’s anatomy for the physician to analyze.
A major part of the new system is an advanced TeraRecon workstation that allows technicians to almost instantly use the images to build 3-D models of internal organs – a major tool in assessing cardiac problems and diagnosing potential strokes. The new system also has the ability to share real-time images with physicians via the internet. Through a secure connection, a specialty physician may view the diagnostic images almost anywhere they can access the internet.
CT imaging, also know as a "CAT Scan," is a medical diagnostic tool that allows the visualization of internal structures within the human body. This aids physicians in diagnosing disease, viewing internal abnormalities and assessing the extent of trauma damage.
"This new VCT system with the advanced workstation is cutting-edge diagnostic technology that hasn’t been available to our community" said Jon Turton, Vice President of Outpatient services for SJRHC. "The incredible technology this equipment brings will allow very advanced imaging for our heart and stroke programs."
St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan was established as a health ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio in 1936 and is a recipient of the 2007 Texas Award for Performance Excellence. SJRHC is the lead level III trauma center for the region; has a certified chest pain center; a freestanding rehabilitation center; and comprehensive programs in cardiac, cancer, women’s health and surgical services.