Now physicians are able to capture images of a beating heart in just five beats, something no other CT system can offer. “Our new Volume CT system allows our physicians to perform new and enhanced procedures such as CT angiography and obtain the information they need to diagnose patients who are suffering from chest pain,” explained Linda Kogovsek, Parkview Diagnostic Imaging Director. “We will have clearer and quicker scanning capabilities, it will take longer to get the patient on the table, then it will to scan them.”

Because of the LightSpeed VCT’s unique capabilities, new and enhanced medical CT procedures will be offered at Parkview:

5-Beat Cardiac™- The physicians at Parkview can capture images of the whole heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats – providing clearer images of cardiovascular anatomy and a shorter breath-hold for sick and elderly patients.

Triple RuleOut™ - Three primary causes of mortality in patients with chest pain are aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism and coronary artery disease. Parkview Physicians will have a tool to help them rule out (or in) the individual causes of patient’s chest pain through a single fast scan.

Stroke Work-Up- Once a stroke occurs, it is commonly believed that treatment must be delivered within an hour or less to ensure the best outcome for the patient. The LightSpeed VCT will offer Parkview the speed and resolution required for a rapid imaging of blood vessels in the brain. This enables physicians to make a quick diagnosis of stroke and determine the extent of damage, making this complex procedure easier and more routine for the physician.

In a single rotation, the Volume CT system creates 64 high-resolution anatomical images as thin as a credit card. These images are combined to form a three-dimensional view of the patient’s anatomy for Parkview physicians to analyze. From these images, physicians can view such things as blockages in the coronary arteries, as well as the motion and pumping action of a patient’s heart.

“We’re breaking barriers in speed and accuracy of patient exams and will now be able to offer new and enhanced diagnostic procedures thanks to our new LightSpeed VCT,” stated Linda Kogovsek. “The technology will greatly benefit both our physicians and patients. We are excited to be the first in southern Colorado to offer this medical innovation.”