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| Our Helical CT Scanners | ||
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MULTIDETECTOR ROW HELICAL CT MULTISLICE SCANNER Our centers installed San Diego County's first MultiSlice/MultiDetector Helical CT scanner in 1999. This spiral type of scanner is revolutionary in design. The radiation emitted from the powerful x-ray tube is divided and there are multiple images obtained as the patient moves continuously through the scanner. The result of this unique technology is the ability to simultaneously obtain multiple slices of information. This concept allows scanning to be performed very rapidly and with extremely high resolution. This is useful in studying very small structures such as the bones in the middle ear. Scanning of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is performed in a single breathhold for each area. As an example, in scanning the lungs, thin slices in the range of .5 to 5.0 mm can be obtained through the entire chest during a single breathhold, approximately 22 seconds. The computer creates the images almost instantly and may be reviewed on the monitor prior to the patient leaving the facility. Thinner slices result in better lesion detection. A study published in Radiology, November 1998, reported 46% more lesions detected with MultiSlice CT compared to single slice Helical CT. Detection of early metastatic disease is enhanced. The scanner is also capable of performing CT angiography, which is imaging of the arteries of the body with detail comparable to traditional catheter angiography. Orthopedic, 3D, and Multiplanar high resolution studies allow for the detection of subtle fractures and deformities and facilitate effective treatment planning. Thinner slices eliminate streak artifact originating from metallic surgical hardware. Oral surgeons utilize the information obtained from scanning of the upper and lower jaw for evaluation of bone detail and the location of nerves in preparing for dental implants. The information provided cannot be obtained from standard x-rays. | |
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