Scanners give doctors
more info than ever

Dick Cheney, CT technologist

Ball Memorial Hospital

Q: What is a CT Scan?
A: A CT scan or CAT scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to image the body with cross sectional images. The images are produced by rotating an x-ray tube around the patient. Each time the x-ray tube rotates, cross sectional images are produced.

Cross sectional images are like cutting a loaf of bread into slices and then pulling out an individual slice to view. This technology gives the physician an outstanding view into the body.

Q: I have seen commercials advertising 64 slice CT. Do you offer exams with this type of scanner?
A: Yes, the CT scan department at Ball Memorial Hospital does have the GE VCT 64 slice scanner that is often shown in television commercials. We have been very pleased that this technology has allowed us to expand our imaging services to better meet the needs of the community and our physicians. We feel that the 64 slice technology, along with over 75 years of combined CT technologist experience, places the capabilities of our CT department on par with anyone in the country.

Q: Why is a 64 slice scanner a better option for me as a patient and for my doctor?
A: The 64 slice scanner produces high resolution images less than a millimeter thick. This detail results in visualization of the smallest body structures including blood vessels. 64 slice CT excels at vascular exams especially imaging of the vessels in the brain, neck, heart and lower extremities. Stroke patients and those with cardiovascular disease or symptoms are excellent candidates for imaging with 64 slice scanners. Updated software and 3D imaging applications give physicians more information than ever before.

The imaging speed of 64 slice scanners is simply amazing. Thousands of detailed images can be produced in less than 30 seconds. As a result, patient breath holds are shorter and artifacts are reduced. The end result is more diagnostic information, and higher quality information, in a fraction of the time.

We have also worked hard and been very successful at reducing the patient x-ray dose using multi-slice scanner technology.

Q: What are some of the other applications the scanner can be used for?
A: Advanced multi-slice scanners such as the VCT 64 slice scanner are also used for measuring the amount of blood flowing to brain tissue and detailed single organ exams that include imaging of all the blood vessels flowing through that organ. We can now complete dedicated exams just for the liver, pancreas, kidneys, or any other organ.

Dick Cheney is a registered CT technologist in the radiology department at Ball Memorial Hospital. For additional information, contact him at 741-1516 or radiology@chsmail.org.

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