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Hillcrest Installs 64-Slice CT Scanner

Waco, Texas – Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center is now among a select group of U.S. hospitals equipped with the Toshiba Aquilion 64 CFX, one of the fastest multislice computed tomography (CT) systems currently available.  The Aquilion 64 CFX delivers high-speed, high-resolution imaging, which allows physicians to capture precise images of any area of the body, including the rapidly moving heart and lungs.

“Our ability to offer patients and clinicians fast, accurate and detailed diagnostics without the need for more invasive studies is imperative. The investment in a 64-slice CT scanner translates into improved patient comfort, earlier diagnosis of diseases and ultimately better treatment options and outcomes. We are pleased to bring this advanced technology to our community”, said Susan McJunkin, director of the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Hillcrest.

The Aquilion 64 CFX system acquires up to 64 simultaneous anatomical slices, as thin as 0.5 millimeters, in a single rotation, capturing more detail and delivering clearer, sharper views that demonstrate aneurysms, coronary blockages, tumors and fractures. Its advanced visualization software allows 3-D and other multi-planar imaging of vital organs and structures.

“Multi-slice CT technology is very exciting and has changed our practice in many ways,” said Henry Boehm III, MD, medical director of the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Hillcrest.  “64-slice CT technology will improve our ability to manage more complex cardiac, neurological, vascular, orthopedic, and urological, body imaging and pediatric patients. Because of its speed and high resolution we are able to detect abnormalities that otherwise would not be seen,” added Dr. Boehm.

With the recent acquisition of the Aquilion 64 CFX CT system combined with the advanced  SUREPlaque cardiac visualization software from Toshiba American Medical Systems, Inc. Waco area patients now have access to sophisticated cardiac imaging technologies that accurately examine the condition of the coronary arteries through noninvasive CT scans. SUREPlaque software is designed specifically to enhance the clinical performance of the Aquilion 64 CFX scanners with an even greater sensitivity to image the coronary vessel walls and detect the presence of soft plaque, a leading risk factor for heart disease and heart attack. 

“The Aquilion 64 CFX CT scanner and Plaque software provide our patients with a faster and more comfortable noninvasive imaging procedure that allows physicians to visualize heart disease at the earliest possible stages,” said Dr. Boehm. “With the outstanding image quality, speed and advanced applications, this system is making it more practical than ever to use multislice CT imaging to perform a wider variety of cardiology exams.  We can capture motion-free images of the heart and coronary arteries to view plaque and measure coronary blockage in a less invasive way, allowing better patient care.”
 
For patients suffering from vascular disease, the images from this scanner can provide improved diagnostic information without the invasive tools required with conventional angiography. After the scan is obtained, a sophisticated computer system processes the data into three-dimensional (3D) images that can be manipulated in various forms. This allows physicians to view anatomy, perform measurements and calculations, and even conduct a “virtual fly through.” The 3D images also enable referring physicians to better communicate and explain the planned treatment with patients – helping to relieve concerns and alleviate anxiety.

Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center offers a complete range of imaging services including computed and digital radiography, mammography with Computer Aided Detection, 4-D ultrasound, multi-slice CT, nuclear medicine, bone densitometry, MRI, PET/CT, interventional radiology and Picture Archival Communication Systems (PACS).  Hillcrest radiological services are provided by radiologists with fellowship training in all modalities and by nationally registered radiologic technologists and registered nurses.

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