Laredo Medical Center adds new CT scanner to its facility

Laredo Medical Center recently added a state-of-the-art multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner to the hospital. The new Brilliance CT scanner from Philips Medical Systems features advanced technology that produces split-second high quality images, permitting doctors to see more anatomical detail in a fraction of the time needed for other tests. With the new CT scanner, LMC doctors will be able to more effectively detect and treat a range of life-threatening illnesses. The possibility of discovering disease in an early stage, when a wider array of effective treatment options may be available, will help doctors make an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment for their patients.

“We can use the extensive image information we get from the Brilliance CT scanner to generate very detailed 3D images which can be used for diagnosis and also shared very quickly with referring physicians and surgeons, where needed, for pre-surgical planning and for treatment evaluation and follow up,” said LMC associate CEO John Gallagher.

The speed and sub-millimeter detail of the scanner will also contribute to more rapid assessment and decision-making in trauma cases, where physicians may have to make life and death decisions within minutes. Patients needing a CT scan will find that the new scanner offers a more pleasant experience. There is no hospital stay required. With much faster scan times patients will usually be asked to carry out one brief breath hold during each scan.

“Older patients and those with breathing difficulties or some other distress will really appreciate the shorter exams,” said Gallagher. “We'll have them in and out much faster, and their doctors will be able to access detailed, definitive results within minutes.”

All CT scanners use X-rays; however, the new scanner uses a significantly lower amount of X-ray energy than many of the other CT systems on the market.

“While we need the critical anatomical information we get from a CT scan, we always want to limit the X-ray dose to the patient to the absolute minimum possible, especially for children,” said Dr. Guillermo Salinas, medical director of diagnostic services at LMC. “Our new scanner features unique technology that ensures we get exceptional images with significantly lower dose to the patient. And, it has specific built-in pediatric protocols that further minimize the dose to children.”

A CT scan produces a cross-sectional image of the human anatomy which helps the clinician to rule out or confirm the presence of certain disease, and in some cases to evaluate the extent of injuries to a trauma patient, such as someone involved in an automobile accident. During the non-invasive test, the patient is placed on a table and moved incrementally through the squared off donut-shaped scanner while an X-ray beam is projected through cross sections of their anatomy. The X-ray energy passes through the patient and is recorded on electronic detectors in the scanner. This information is then sent to a specialized computer that reconstructs the information into individual slices and combines them sequentially into a comprehensive volume image of the entire area scanned. The thinner the slices, the more revealing the detail is in the resulting images and the more definitive the exam results.

Patient referrals may be made by calling (956) 796-3729.

For more information contact José Arellano at (956) 796-2925.