Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)

CT (sometimes called CAT Scan) is a method of using computerized X-Rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. These cross-sectional images allow for better detail and more precise localization of disease processes in the body.

While CT Scans may be performed on any area of the body, the most common scans include the head, abdomen, chest and sinuses. Most CT Scans require some patient preparation, so be sure to ask your physician about this when your exam is scheduled.

State-of-the-art CT Imaging can only be performed with high speed helical CT Scanners which Rideout Memorial Hospital presently has a Toshiba Aquillion 64 high-speed Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner and Fremont Medical Center has a Toshiba Aquillion 16 high-speed Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner. Utilizing these powerful machines, examinations can be tailored specifically to address each patient's individual needs. This allows quicker mor accurate diagnosis obtained in a less costly, less invasive fashion.

Some of the other benefits of faster scanning include:

• Faster scan times for trauma, ICU, pediatric, geriatric and claustrophobic patients
• Decreased sedation for pediatric exams
• CT Cardiac Scans
• Reduced backlog
• Ability to accept add-on exams easier

Fremont Medical Center and Rideout Memorial Hospital CT departments consist of a team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are expert at performing procedures using imaging guidance. These procedures can help provide a diagnosis to aid your attending physician.

Some of the procedures performed by this service include tissue and tumor biopsy, needle aspiration of fluid collections, catheter drainage of fluid, cyst puncture and analysis. But, whatever the specific intent, all Interventional procedures involve manipulating tissues with the guidance of simultaneous imaging.

Types of Interventions

Biopsy

A tissue biopsy is performed to identify the type of tissue or fluid comprising your lesion. During imaging, small needles are guided to the lesion. Then a small amount of tissue or fluid is extracted for examination under the microscope. More than one needle pass is made to assure the removal of sufficient material at the designated sites.

Fluid Drainage

Using imaging guidance, a small catheter is placed through the skin and into the fluid collection to provide drainage to an outside container.

A new Toshiba Aquillion 64 High-Speed Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner has brought medical imaging to an even higher level.

CT Cardiac Calcium Scan - Without Contrast Enhancement

The Toshiba Aquillion 64 high-speed CT (computed tomography) scanner at Rideout Memorial Hospital, takes precise images of the heart that reveal how much calcium is present - a reliable marker for the presence of heart disease. This exam helps patients and their physicians measure the level of cardiac risk and gives them the opportunity to take preventive measures.

Benefits

• The exam takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Cardiac CT for calcium scoring is a convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating the coronary arteries.
• The calcium score gives an idea of whether coronary artery disease (CAD) is present despite a lack of symptoms, or is likely to develop in the next few years.
• Cardiac CT take little time and causes no pain.
• The exam does not require injection of contrast material and therefore avoids its possible side effects.
• The examination can suggest the presence of CAD even when the coronary arteries are less than 50 percent narrowed. Standard cardiac tests will no reliably detect this level of blockag