We're talking state-of-the-art
- December 2004
- Français
The first of its kind in Canada ...
An investment in the fastest and most advanced CT scanner of its kind dramatically extends the Niagara Health System's (NHS) diagnostic imaging capabilities and enhances the services it can provide to patients.
The NHS made the decision to acquire two leading-edge 64-slice computer tomography scanners as part of an aggressive plan to provide the best possible level of healthcare in Niagara. One CT scanner, installed at the St. Catharines General Site, went into full use in late November. A second 64-slice CT scanner will be installed in spring 2005 at the Greater Niagara General Site to enhance diagnostic services in the southern tier of Niagara.
"This is the newest CT technology in Canada, and is a huge leap forward in image quality," says Radiologist Dr. Amit Mehta, Acting Chief of Diagnostic Services at St. Catharines General Site. "We did great work using the old scanner, but now we have more detail and a wider range of diagnostic tests possible on this unit."
The new CT scanner improves delivery of patient care with unprecedented image quality, application and speed, offering more complete diagnostics of the smallest and finest anatomical structures in just a few seconds with minimized patient discomfort. The improved images may improve early diagnosis and treatment options available to patients.
With the new technology, it is expected that wait times for a CT scan at the St. Catharines General Site will significantly decrease from the current three months for elective procedures. With 64-slice technology, radiologists and technicians are able to see these patients more quickly, thereby potentially reducing the lengths of stay for both inpatients and outpatients.
One example is angiograms to check carotid or other artery blockages. In the traditional testing method, a catheter is inserted in the artery in the groin area, and the catheter probe is pushed through the aorta up to the shoulder area or the arm, depending on where an x-ray needs to be taken, explains Dr. Mehta. "This involves at least a four-hour recovery time for the patient, so clinicians can ensure the artery heals from the catheter puncture. Now, we are carrying out non-invasive angiograms using the new CT scanner, which only involves an intravenous injection, similar to having blood tests taken. The patient has their scan completed, and is finished and ready to go home in about 15 minutes with virtually no discomfort or recovery required."
"With our new CT scanner, we have positioned the Niagara Health System as a leading provider of this specific type of diagnostic service in the country," says Debbie Sevenpifer, NHS President and CEO. "The availability of leading-edge equipment such as this is a critical factor for community hospitals to retain and attract medical specialists and health-care professionals. For the NHS to provide quality care to our patients, we need skilled medical specialists, modern equipment, technology and funding resources. Our acquisition of the new CT technology gives us a very real advantage when it comes to recruiting medical specialists."
A unique feature of the Siemens Somatom Sensation 64 is a new x-ray tube design, the Straton Tube, which makes use of an oil-cooled technology, unlike conventional CT systems using air-cooling.
"The new design is actually much more efficient and is based on the heat being drawn away from the x-ray tube. In other CT systems, technologists often have to wait for the tube to cool down after only a few exams," explained Andy Hind, Vice President of Siemens Medical Solutions. "By greatly reducing the cooling time, we've been able to improve workflow in the radiology department."
CT innovation has advanced significantly over the years since the single-slice system was first introduced. The 64-slice system acquires 64 slices per rotation of the x-ray tube. When the x-ray beam comes out, there are now 64 rows of detectors that gather information from the single beam instead of just one row with the single-slice system. The new system delivers unprecedented image quality with a resolution of 0.4 mm.
The Somatom Sensation 64 machine is the only CT scanner on the market capable of acquiring 64 slices per gantry rotation while significantly reducing x-ray dosage during an exam compared with traditional CT systems. Most hospitals in Canada are using two-, four- or in advanced cases, 16-slice CT scanners.
While the older technology provides limited dimensions with respect to image angles, the 64-slice offers faster, sharper, more detailed 3-D imaging, and allows imaging of blood flow and other anatomical structures and functions that are constantly in motion. With 64-slice technology, the tiniest of structures is now visible for physicians and radiologists.
Another key area is the number of images the machine produces per patient. "Before, we would have 50 to 60 images per case," says Dr. Mehta. "Now, we are seeing at least 500 images per patient. This incredible detail takes radiologists longer to review, but the quality and range is wonderful."
Key to this is sophisticated software, a vital component in the diagnostician's ability to view images. The images from the new CT scanner can be enhanced to highlight different structures.
"With our new CT, we will be able to respond to the needs of our patients, and raise the bar in image quality, resolution and speed," says Sevenpifer. "The CT's unmatched resolution provides a level of detail that we expect will open up entirely new applications for CT technology, allowing us to achieve our vision to provide the best possible care to patients."