Quality Imaging with 64-Slice CT Scanner
Pasco Regional Medical Center is home to the first and only 64 Slice CT Scanner in East Pasco. The Aquilion 64 CT Scanner can capture quality images of any area of the body in as little as fifteen seconds. Its multi-slice technology captures quality images of the body's rapidly moving organs like the heart and lungs, which can appear blurry when scanned by a traditional CT. With the Aquilion 64, our physicians are seeing more anatomical information than previously thought possible, which means we can diagnose problems like blood clots, infections and cancer in greater detail and with more clarity. As a result, we now have the ability to make an accurate diagnosis at earlier stages, which means that our patients can begin receiving treatment sooner for potentially better outcomes.
With the coverage and speed capabilities of the 64 Slice CT Scanner, a wider range of patients may have more options to undergo noninvasive procedures. For example, the system can be used to more accurately visualize soft plaque and measure coronary stenosis for the detection of heart disease, which has historically required more invasive or surgical procedures to confirm a diagnosis.
A Clearer Picture Means A Better Diagnosis
Take an apple. Cut it into four pieces. Do you see the worm? You might. But chances are you will only find a hint of the worm. What if you could take the same apple and cut it into 64 slices. Would you find the worm now? If not, the worm was probably never in your apple.
While the apple example may be a stretch, what if your leg had a small blood clot? Would you want a camera that took only four pictures of your leg or one that took 64 pictures of your leg? Would you want your doctor looking at four different images and angles or 64 quality images and angles to find your blood clot?
With the Aquilion 64-Multislice CT Scanner, physicians are seeing more anatomical information in greater detail and with more clarity than previously possible,
which means a better diagnosis of problems such as blood clots, infections, heart disease and cancer. And best of all, the 64-Slice CT Scanner's design features a highly efficient ceramic material that is able to reduce overall radiation exposure to our patients and our staff, making the exam safer.
What is Computed Tomography (CTA)?
Computed Tomography (CTA) is used in place of invasive, time-consuming procedures to visualize blood flow in the body. A CT scan blends the traditional technology of X-rays with the latest computer innovations.
Using a series of X-ray beams, the CT scanner creates cross-sectional images. A computer reconstructs these "slices" to produce the 3-D image. The result is a picture with greater detail than traditional X-rays. And better information means a better diagnosis and decision from your doctor.
Types of CTA and Uses of CTA
Heart Scan
A heart scan views the overall structure of the heart including arteries, valves and chambers as well as overall heart function.
Vascular (arteries and veins) Imaging
Vascular imaging enables a physician to visualize large arteries such as the ones that feed the lungs and kidneys.
Your doctor may use CTA to:
- Check the health of arteries to the liver
- Examine the condition of arteries to the lungs
- Identify unusual structures in major blood vessels
- Check the condition of arteries throughout the body
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS)
CACS or Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring measures calcification, or hardening of the heart's arteries, a leading indicator of heart disease. CACS uses non-invasive, high-speed CT imaging technology to scan your heart and show possible calcium deposits along the walls of the arteries. At Pasco Regional Medical Center, CACS can be completed with the 64 Slice CT Scanner.
Your CACS score indicates the level of calcium deposits. The higher the score, the more calcium is present. Your doctor uses this score with other information such as age, family history and cholesterol level to determine the health of your heart. Early detection is the key to prevention and your CACS exam is the first step to a healthier tomorrow.
Calcium Deposits and Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease can result from a progressive hardening of the arteries. Over time, deposits of cholesterol and other substances build up along vessel walls and become hardened or calcified. When the build up in the vessel walls becomes too great, oxygen-rich blood is unable to travel to the heart, leading to sudden heart trouble.
Every 29 seconds an American suffers a heart attack and 50% of men and 63% of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms. Your CACS score is a valuable indicator to understand the health of your heart.
Risk Factors
The following factors may indicate risk for heart disease and the need for a CACS exam. Consider consulting your physician if one or more risk factors apply to you.
- Family history of heart disease
- High levels of cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Male over 45 or Female over 55
With the Aquilion 64 Slice CT Scanner, Better Insight Means Better Outcomes.