Its technology that you have to see to believe. Boca Raton Community Hospitals latest addition, the Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 64-slice CT Scanner, provides cutting-edge images that allow physicians to see three-dimensional models of the organs that are scanned.
The Sensation 64 quickly scans the patient and delivers thousands of images per second. The results are available on the spot, allowing for a quicker diagnosis of any potential health problems.
Other than an iodine injection, the procedure is non-invasive. This is a major advancement to more traditional methods of cardiac diagnosis, such as cardiac catherization, in which a camera is inserted into the body, usually in the groin, and led into the cardiac artery.
According to Dr. Joe Kleinman, director of radiology at Boca Raton Community Hospital, the scanner enables physicians to view a working model of the heart and see how blood flows through arteries. Moreover, the scan gives a better idea of where any problem spots in an artery could be.
“Just because there is narrowing in an artery, doesnt mean thats where a person will have a heart attack,” Dr. Kleinman said. “It may be an area that is less narrow but has what is called vulnerable plaque. The scanner allows us to better determine these spots.”
Charles Felix, publisher of
South Florida Hospital News, recently was able to experience the CT scanner and was pleased with the results.
“It was a very satisfying thing for me to see,” Felix said. “With the 3D technology, they are able to turn and twist the image of the heart to look at different angles and actually show you if there area any problems.”
The CT scanner is ideal for patients. It is a relatively small device, so most of the patients body is outside of it at any given time during the scan. As a result, there are no concerns of claustrophobia or other similar apprehension like there may be in an MRI. Another benefit is that the procedure can be done quickly.
“The whole procedure from the time we first talk to the patient and put them on the table takes about 10 minutes,” Dr. Kleinman said. “A total scan takes about 12 heartbeats.”
But there are limitations to the scanner. People with sensitivities to iodine, usually due to allergies or kidney problems, are not eligible for the scan because of the need for an iodine injection.
Also, a persons natural calcium deposits may obstruct the view into an artery. To ensure the best scan possible, patients may undergo a test to determine the level of calcium deposits in their body.
People with pacemakers also may have a difficult time receiving a clear reading. The leads in the pacemaker can block the view and interfere with results.
One other concern to physicians is the patients heartbeat. The best results are found with regular heartbeats. Those with irregular or high heart rates may need to take medication to regulate their rate before undergoing a scan.
Still, the ability to have detailed results on the spot cant be beat. Dr. Kleinman says that imaging such as this may become part of standard checkups in the future due to their ease and convenience, similar to how people have annual dental x-rays
“There is more and more emphasis on evaluating pre-clinical disease before they have any significant problems,” Dr. Kleinman said.
The 64-slice CT Scanner is one of the many improvements taking place at the hospital. With BRCH ready to launch an open heart center in the fall of 2006, the staff is glad to have this equipment.
“This is a very significant tool in our arsenal to expand our program,” Dr. Kleinman said.
Not only can the scanner be used to identify conditions, but it can also be used to monitor a patients progress after undergoing a procedure.
