It takes only five heartbeats to capture an image of a beating heart, one second to capture the image of an organ and only 10 seconds for a full body trauma.
Such state-of-the-art imaging capabilities exist in the Hixson-Lied Center for Clinical Excellence’s new radiology unit.
Spread across two floors, the radiology department reflects a consolidation and streamlining of services once spread throughout the hospital. An interventional radiology area sits adjacent to the operating rooms. Spacious new suites will feature improved imaging systems, ensuring a smooth transition from diagnosis to treatment.
“The technology in this new building is the best that’s available for routine patient imaging in the world. It’s really world-class,” said Craig Walker, M.D., chairman of radiology at UNMC. “We are definitely on the leading edge of commercially available radiology technology.”
The latest GE technology – including a new, 64-slice CT scanner and a 3.0T MRI – adds a new dimension to the hospital’s care. “It gives us departmental capabilities that surpass any other medical center in the area,” said Chuck Lasko, administrative director of radiology. “With our experienced radiologists, highly-skilled technologists and efficient clerical staff, we’re able to provide our physicians and patients with extraordinary clinical information.”
The 64-slice CT scanner can capture images of a beating heart in just five heartbeats, an organ in one second and a full body trauma in 10 seconds – more than twice as fast as conventional multi-slice CT scanners. “A faster result equals faster diagnosis and treatment,” Lasko said.
The 3.0T MRI offers similar enhancements. The high-definition system provides physicians with highly detailed pictures, helping in evaluating a wide range of conditions from stroke and heart disease to assessments of the brain. The machine also reduces the need for a repeat scan by compensating for involuntary movement like a cough or the tremors of Parkinson’s disease.
“Everyone here is really excited about what this is going to mean for us,” Dr. Walker said. “The 3.0T MRI really improves our ability when it comes to imaging neurology or neurological patients. It really makes a dramatic improvement.”
The new, centralized radiology department will open in phases, Dr. Walker said. Radiologists already are using the new X-ray equipment in the emergency department and soon will start using the CT and MRIs. The entire department will be settled into its new space by February, Dr. Walker said.