64 Slice CT

Our 64-Slice CT provides 3D renderings of the heart, carotid arteries, brain, cerebral arteries and all peripheral arteries for detection and characterization of plaque. This advanced CT imaging allows the radiologist to clearly visualize cardiac function and captures the entire coronary branch in five seconds, requiring minimal breath holds, making it ideal for nervous patients, fidgety children and those suffering from pulmonary disease or heart failure.

Often CT can preclude the necessity to perform invasive, risky angiography and cardiac catheterization, eliminating the risk of stroke.

These clearer, sharper, multi-dimensional views of cardiac and coronary functions provide our radiologists with more critically detailed visual information than ever before lending to a more comprehensive diagnosis.

Virtual Colonography

Unfortunately, less than 50% of Americans are tested for colon cancer which is over 90% curable when detected early, because the procedure is intrusive, time consuming and potentially risky. Virtual Colonography is a non-invasive screening method which images the entire colon and has the capability to identify smaller polyps than optical colonoscopy.

Limitations of Optical Colonoscopy

Before Virtual Colonography became a reality, Optical Colonoscopy was the best exam for the screening and detection of polyps or colon cancer. However, there are a few drawbacks to this method that VC has answered:

Only 70% of the colon is viewed optically because the colonoscope does not have the capability of turning around. There is a risk of perforating or damaging the colon walls. Sedation/anesthesia is necessary, causing a restriction of activity on the day of the procedure. The colonoscope is inserted through the entire length of the colon (about 5 ft).

Virtual Colonography is accomplished with a quick screening period of only 15 minutes. The patient will undergo a 10-15 minute CT scan after a 48 hour prep period. There is a simple to follow diet of easily digestible foods along with a pleasant tasting drink to take during meals, which contains a contrasting agent. During the CT scan, a flexible rectal tube (diameter of a pinky finger) is inserted only 2 inches into the rectum in order to distend the colon with carbon dioxide for the CT scan. No anesthesia is required, and you only have the feeling of being bloated or having gas.

After the procedure is completed, the data from the CT scan is then processed into a 3D image that enables the doctor to fly through the colon (as if he were using a colonoscope) to look for any polyps. This procedure has been clinically proven to be just as accurate as the optical test.