New CT technology that delivers high-definition imaging for confident diagnoses for patients
Dallas, Texas. – August 3, 2015 – Physicians at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC) in Dallas, Texas are now able to provide high-definition (HD) computed tomography (CT) images and lower radiation doses for a patient-focused experience thanks to the recent arrival of a new CT system. Patients in Dallas are already benefitingfrom the advanced technology of GE Healthcare’s Revolution™ GSI.
“The decision to acquire these scanners was an easy one,” said Dr. Clint Hamilton, M.D. “This technology will allow us to continue to reduce radiation dose to our patients, and maintain our high image quality. It will increase our patient workflow and help reduce patient wait times. The dual energy capability can also help us to scan individual patients fewer times.”
Clinicians at SWDIC are also seeing benefits for patients with implants. “Hardware implants are a common finding with current spine surgery practices,” said Dr. David Kilgore, radiologist at SWDIC. The dual energy feature has made a significant impact on reducing metal artifact, therefore improving image quality enabling a more confident diagnosis.”
Today, more than 81 million CT scans are done in the U.S. per year^, providing tremendous clinical value in helping physicians to provide a fast diagnosis across a wide range of applications. CT is a non-invasive and expedient way to look inside the body at organs, soft tissues, vascular structures and bones using x-rays to generate high resolution images of the body. It does this by rotating an x-ray source and detector around the patient as the patient is moved through the device.
Equipped with GE Healthcare’s proprietary Gemstone™ detector and ASiR™ technology, physicians at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center will be able to provide accurate CT scans at a reduced radiation dose.* Furthermore, clinicians can help reduce patient anxiety with Revolution GSI as:
- GE Healthcare’s Xtream display allows the CT staff to spend more time with the patient and less time outside of the scan room;
- Faster scanning speeds allow for shorter exam times.
Additionally, Revolution GSI has a unique fast energy switching technology call Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) that enables data sampling rates at different energies as fast as 0.25msec. This enables Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center’s physicians to deliver more personalize care for each patient. Some of the benefits may include:
- Characterization of pathology;
- Better contrast enhancement allowing physicians to optimize contrast for each patient;
- Reductions in traditional CT image artifacts, which sometimes led to sub-optimal exams for physicians to read.
“For 29 years, we have held the philosophy that state-of-the-art imaging equipment is necessary to provide our patients and referring physicians with the best possible care,” said Richard Broker, Administrator at SWDIC. “Purchasing the very finest imaging equipment available in the world today, like Revolution GSI, is an investment in our future. Our patients have come to expect the very best from Southwest, and we are committed to delivering that standard of care every day.”
^According to the 2014 IMV Report. *In clinical practice, the use of ASiR may reduce CT patient dose depending on the clinical task, patient size, anatomical location and clinical practice. A consultation with a radiologist and a physicist should be made to determine the appropriate dose to obtain diagnostic image quality for the particular clinical task.
About Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center
Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC) is a multi-modality out-patient medical imaging center located in Dallas, Texas on the campus of Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas Hospital. For over 30 years, SWDIC has served Dallas and the surrounding communities and is one of the largest and most progressive freestanding facilities in North Texas. Nearly all imaging centers will proclaim their focus on patient care is what makes them different. However, SWDIC staff and radiologists prove this commitment every day. SWDIC is fully accredited in all modalities by the American College of Radiology and received a 99 percent patient satisfaction rating in 2014. We are proud to say that 90 percent of all patients in 2014 waited less than 10 minutes for their scheduled exam–a huge accomplishment as SWDIC sees more than 350 patients a day. SWDIC caters to patients by offering extended evening and weekend hours. In addition, SWDIC understands how time sensitive diagnostic imaging exams can often be. To fully accommodate the needs of our patients, SWDIC offers all modalities at one convenient location in Dallas. SWDIC accepts most commercial and managed care health insurance plans, as well as state and federal coverage plans, allowing patients more access options, flexibility and convenience. SWDIC is committed to answering questions, providing results quickly and accurately, and easing patients’ minds through compassionate care.
Please visit our website for more information: www.swdic.com
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