64-Slice CT Scanner Provides CRR Radiologists with a Leading-Edge Diagnostic Tool In December 2007, Cape Fear Valley
Health System introduced the Fayetteville area’s first 64-slice CT (Computed
Tomography) scanner. Housed at Cape Fear Valley’s Health Pavilion North, the SIEMENS 64-slice CT is the most powerful
scanner in the region.
Using cutting edge technology, the
64-slice scanner generates extremely fast scans with super thin “slices” of
images (the thinner the slice, the higher the resolution and image detail). The image slices are then virtually “stitched”
back together – at an equally fast rate – to create images with amazing clarity
and minute detail. The 64-slice scanner can also produce cross-sectional 3-D
images, further enhancing the radiologist’s diagnostic capabilities.
The radiologists at CRR – who are
responsible for interpreting all studies performed at Cape Fear Valley Health
System facilities – are excited about the “arrival” of the 64-slice CT
scanner. This latest-generation CT machine is especially useful for coronary artery imaging, including the evaluation of
plaque build-up. Advanced programming (algorithms) makes the 64-slice scanner
so fast that it can capture an image of a beating heart without “blurring” (and
without the need for heart rate-reducing medication). This programming can also
virtually “straighten” blood vessel images, so radiologists can get a closer
look at blockages.
By monitoring changes in tumors,
the 64-slice CT scanner is also a promising new tool for cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
CT scans are non-invasive
procedures and do not cause discomfort for the patient. With the super-fast
64-slice scanner, clear imaging of a single body part takes about 5 seconds. A
full body scan can be done in about 30 seconds.
Did You Know?
You may be interested to learn that
the famous record company, FMI, used profits from The Beatles music to fund
early research on computed tomography. This research led to the development of
first-generation CT scanners used in British hospitals in the 1970’s. |
