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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 11/19/2014 03:36 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 11/20/2014 02:11 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Mark Twain Medical Center Brings Advanced Technology to Campus...Newly installed 128- Slice State-of-the-Art CT Scanner
San Andreas, CA...Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) has acquired a new state-of-the-art Optima660 128-Slice CT scanner. The new computed tomography (CT) technology produces high quality images of the inside of the body and boasts reduced radiation dose imaging technology. The Optima General Electric CT660 enables fast, high performance imaging for patients in a variety of clinical ...
.settings, including cardiac, vascular, emergency room and routine CT.
“Having this advanced imaging available at MTMC allows patients to have their studies completed here locally,” stated Craig Marks, CEO and Hospital President. “Larger hospitals such as Stanford and UCSF have this GE CT model. This upgrade allows us to provide faster results with better patient comfort.” This technology expands our ability to diagnose and treat additional conditions, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal illnesses, cancer, and pulmonary disease. We are very excited to have this is state-of-the-art, highbred technology right here at MTMC.
A CT scan is a noninvasive medical test that uses detailed imaging to help diagnose and treat medical conditions throughout the body. CT scans produce images of the internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels, which produce greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-rays.
“Faster screening negates movement artifact in patients who have sustained injuries, or are in much discomfort,” remarked Dr. Bill Griffin, Radiologist and MTMC Chief of Staff. “Obviously, this is a huge benefit for the patient. The advantage of the 128-Slice scanner is that you can increase the speed of the scan while not taking away from the detail of the image. So what was once a fifty second abdomen pelvis scan on the 8-Slice scanner, it is now a ten second scan with a vast increase in image detail due to the extraction of patient movement, both voluntary and involuntary. The benefit lies in the increase of image detail and scanning speed; when the technologist studies a heart for plaques or coronary arterial disease, the organ can be rendered motionless, thus allowing the coronary arteries to appear pristine as is visualized in an invasive coronary angiogram. With this technique, we will be able to perform exquisite studies of the coronary arteries for plaques, and vessel disease.
These images are in much greater fine Mark Twain Medical Center brings advanced technology to campus detail than with the previous 8-Slice. The entire heart can be done in 5 seconds. A CT scan from the
shoulder to pelvis can be performed in 12 seconds. This advanced technology allows for the patient to spend less time on the exam table and the ability to quickly be back in a more comfortable environment.
And with all of this improvement there is a 40% to 60% decrease in radiation dose exposure. This is a to the citizens of Calaveras County and beyond. This is both incredible and remarkable to me that we can continue to provide additional state-of-the-art technology right here - at MTMC.”
“A CT study at MTMC is now done in 4.5 seconds. Our 8 slice was 35 seconds,” remarked Rick Reed, Director MTMC Diagnostic Imaging Department. “When the patient is in the gantry (the scanning tube),
the array of detectors rotates around the patient emitting x-rays through the patient and collecting the data on the opposing side. Upon each rotation, the detectors were essentially collecting eight sets of image
detail for the area in which the beam passes through. With the new 128-Slice scanner, it is collecting 128 sets of image detail. This enhanced informational data translates into a vast increase in image data and
detail in the final image.”
About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, full-access hospital providing inpatient
acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff
represents a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural
community. In addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is
also a major source of jobs for area residents. On average, more than 300 people are employed at
the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health,
the fifth largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the nation. For more information, please visit our
website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.
Pictured from left to right- Dr. William Griffin & Rick Reed with
the newly installed 128-Slice state-of-the-art GE CT Scanner
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