Trinity Mother Frances Offers FLASH CT
KFXK – Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics is pleased to announce it has taken an incredible leap forward in the vital field of imaging with the SOMATOM® Definition Flash computed tomography (CT) scanner from Siemens Healthcare.
The scanner offers a new technology that involves dual source imaging, with two imaging heads acquiring images at the same time as well as reconstruction software that makes it possible to reduce the radiation exposure and reduce time needed for imaging.
For most adults, it can image the entire chest in less than a second, and it can scan the whole body in less than 5 seconds.
Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) helps to reduce dose by up to 60 percent for a wide range of applications and delivers superior image quality.
With such technology with fast imaging times, Trinity Mother Frances can generally perform these studies using less radiation than conventional CT scanners, meaning a safer imaging procedure. It also reduces treatment times, enhances diagnostic abilities and improves overall patient experience.
“In our continued efforts to deliver the best patient care, our new scanner incorporates dose-reduction technologies along with patient-centric features stemming from unique dual-source technology,” said Peter Pitonak, MD, Cardiologist, director of noninvasive cardiac imaging with the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital at Trinity Mother Frances. “The dual-source CT means that we can conduct some of the fastest imaging studies possible. We can scan the entire heart in one heartbeat. This reduces radiation dose 6 fold. It improves the quality of the study and opens opportunities to use this technology in broader spectrum of patients. Coronary calcium scores will be done faster, with half of the radiation dose. The new scanner will also be used in pulmonary nodule clinic patients and lung screening exams. The recently started TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) program will use this technology allowing us to reduce the amount of intravenous contrast used as well.
The scanner is also going to allow us to image hearts of larger patients. The weight limit of the old scanner for coronary heart scans was 250 pounds. We will be able to scan patients with weight up to 300-350 pounds.”
“This is truly a huge leap forward for our patients,” said John McGreevy, Chief Executive Officer of the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital and Mother Frances Hospital Tyler. “Trinity Mother Frances is committed to providing our patients with the most advanced treatments in order to serve their healthcare needs fully. Part of our strategy in that regard is the incorporation of leading edge technology employed by highly trained medical staff to improve patient experience. With this new CT machine we will be able to make a real difference in our patients’ lives.”
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