PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is excited to announce the addition of a new Siemens SOMATON X.Cite CT scanner to the large inventory of advanced imaging technology available at the hospital.
A computerized tomography scan is a type of imaging that uses X-ray techniques to create detailed images of the body and then uses a computer to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissue inside the body. CT scans show more detail than X-rays, making it a valuable tool to diagnose disease or injury, as well as to plan and guide treatments.
This new equipment has several benefits for patients, according to Justin Dyer, manager of the Imaging Department. “CT technology has improved substantially in the last decade. Getting a CT scan is now faster, and the image quality is much more precise. The use of less radiation for the tests means it is safer for both patients and staff. Radiology staff appreciate working with the newest technologies that come with improved safety and the ease of use.”
Larger or claustrophobic patients should be particularly excited about the wider bore opening. The weight limit on the new table has increased by about 200 pounds, now accommodating patients up to 676 pounds. A new in-room lift allows patients who need assistance to transfer on and off the table more safely for both the patient and the staff.
The X.Cite also has enhanced capabilities that allows real-time images right at the bedside for the radiologist during CT-guided biopsies. Use of an iPad tied into the scanner’s programming also allows the radiology technologist to stay right at the patient’s side for most of the procedure. The iPad can be used for everything except the actual scan.
“While the new technology may not be as apparent to patients, it’s pretty incredible,” says Makenzie Farley, CT technologist lead. “For instance, when we test how long a patient can hold their breath for certain procedures, the machine adjusts accordingly to make the scan happen within the timeframe of when they hold their breath. We can also do 3D spins of arteries and can subtract parts of images to make things clearer to see.”
It is now much easier to do combination scans too, according to Farley. “We are seeing more of these all the time, when a patient needs two different scans done. We can now do these with just one injection and one scan. This cuts the time in half for the patient.”
The new software will also allow the imaging team to do a lot more in the area of diagnosing. Farley says that services that will be coming in the near future thanks to this new CT scanner will include calcium scoring (a CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in your arteries), artery scans to help the vascular surgeons and cardiologists to better diagnose vessel disease, and CT-guided colonoscopies (a virtual colonoscopy to screen for cancers and other conditions affecting the colon).
AR Gould Hospital typically provides 25 to 30 CT scans during a 24-hour period.
