64-Slice CT

Overview

Powerful, cutting-edge computed tomography (CT) technology now in use in the Elkhart General Radiology Department helps pinpoint disease earlier and gives doctors more information to plan and track appropriate treatment. Elkhart General is on the list of facilities in the U.S. who have obtained the SOMATOM Sensation 64-Slice CT system from Siemens Medical Solutions, which can capture thousands of images in seconds and is much quicker than the average CT technology currently employed across the country.

The SOMATOM Sensation 64-Slice CT system is the world’s fastest and most advanced 64-slice CT system. The scanner’s ability to routinely deliver unmatched image quality and faster acquisition time is key for cardiac, vascular, neurology, and emergency examinations. The increased speed facilitates data acquisition for patients who have difficulty holding their breath, such as elderly or pediatric patients.

Because doctors obtain incredibly detailed images of the anatomy, they can make more informed diagnostic decisions in a non-invasive manner. For example, with images that offer a clear 3D view of the heart without surgery, the new CT system offers an early and less painful look at possible heart problems. And, the fast turnaround time can lead to quicker intervention and treatment when necessary. If a patient reports chest pain, a 10-second CT exam can rule out several conditions very quickly or pinpoint a problem early in the process.

A New Level of Speed

• Engineered for speed and accuracy so a complete exam of the heart can take as little as 10 minutes, from scan to diagnosis. Previously, patients suspected of heart attack might undergo a stress test, ECG study, and blood testing, which could take much longer.
• Allows doctors to evaluate the most common causes of acute chest pain with a single scan.
• Permits some patients to avoid surgical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization.

A New Level of Comfort

• 64-slice technology requires that you hold your breath for shorter periods than older, 16-slice technology—for example, a scan of the blood vessels in your heart now requires that you hold your breath for 9 seconds, compared to 17 seconds with 16-slice equipment.

A New Level of Clarity

• Provides excellent image quality, regardless of your size and weight.
• Images the beating heart in real time, permitting evaluation of its valves and the motion of its walls in greater detail.

A New Level of Versatility

• The SOMATOM Sensation 64-Slice CT system can also be used when studying:
  • Cardiovascular conditions, including stroke and blood clots.
  • Other conditions involving the brain, colon, or lungs.

For more information

Please call the Elkhart General Radiology Department at (574) 523-7841.