St. David's Heart Hospital of Austin recently became the first facility in Central Texas to offer a cutting-edge photon-counting computed tomography, or CT, scanner.
The new scanner is designed to generate high-resolution images with greater diagnostic consistency for physicians treating pulmonary and cardiology patients, hospital officials said in a news release.
The details
Per the news release, this technology converts X-ray photons directly into electrical signals without information loss, producing ultra-high-resolution imaging beyond what a conventional CT can do and allowing physicians to obtain all relevant CT data in a single scan.
Officials said this CT offers a new level of detail for patients who need to be scanned more frequently, as diagnostic consistency is “paramount” for patients with complex imaging needs.
“This new technology will be impactful for our surgical and procedural patients, enabling physicians to deliver more precise, informed care for patients who need it most,” CEO Brett Matens said in the release.
What else?
Hospital officials also said the new technology can also be used for HeartSaver CT scans, which determines if patients have plaque or calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
These scans are recommended for men ages 40-65 or women ages 45-70 that have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol or blood pressure, diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.
