08/02/2007
(Hartford, Conn.) - Its all about the �image being created by the new CT scanner at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
Its the first-in-the-state Siemens Definition system with Dual Source 128-slice capability. Its the latest breakthrough in computed tomography (CT) technology, employing two x-rays to give physicians precise images of the beating heart in a matter of seconds.
The �dual source consists of two x-ray tubes and two detectors that rotate simultaneously, capturing image data in half the time required by conventional CT technology. The scanner can also produce images with increased resolution over the popular 64 single-source CT systems.
The greatest advancement of this new technology is providing critical care in emergency situations. Patients with chest pain, abdominal pain and suspicion of stroke are diagnosed faster with pinpoint analysis, thanks to the superior imaging and dual energy method of the Definition CT.
A patient experiencing chest pains would be required to take beta-blockers to slow the heart rate for the 64-slice scanner to capture images, and that takes away precious minutes. But with two x-ray tubes instead of one, the 128-slice scanner can produce diagnostic images of a patients coronary arteries without the need for medications to reduce the heart rate,� explains Dr. Michael Twohig, Director of Radiology and Imaging Services at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Compared with existing 64 slice CT scanners, this is done with up to a 50% reduction in radiation exposure to the patient,� adds Twohig.
The benefits are even more far reaching to a patient population once precluded with the 64-slice scanner because of complicated medical conditions. Patients who were over certain weight thresholds could not be imaged well on the prior generation of scanners because of the power limitations of single tube units. The addition of an extra x-ray tube on the Definition allows us to obtain outstanding images on patients of any size. We have also been able to image coronary arteries on acutely ill patients who could not tolerate having their heart rate slowed, a real advantage in the acute care setting,� said Dr. Anthony Posteraro, Radiologist at Saint Francis. Now, emergent CT exams are accessible to such patients, thanks to the Definition CT,� adds Posteraro.
When time is of the essence, our radiologists will be able to diagnose critical conditions much faster with this latest CT technology. It once again affirms our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and establish ourselves as leaders in the community with the latest advancements in technology,� said Christopher Dadlez, President and CEO of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
Siemens IT Solutions and Services is an internationally leading provider of IT solutions and services. It covers the entire IT service chain from a single source, from consulting to system integration, right through to the management of IT infrastructures.
Founded in 1897, Saint Francis is a major teaching hospital licensed for 617 acute inpatient beds and 65 bassinets and is the largest Catholic hospital in New England.
| 
