Powerful, cutting-edge computed tomography (CT) technology now in use at BIR helps pinpoint heart disease earlier and gives doctors more information to plan and track appropriate treatment. BIR is on the growing list of facilities in the U.S. to obtain the Siemens SOMATOM‚ Sensation Cardiac 64 CT, one of the world’s fastest and most advanced 64-slice CT systems, which can capture thousands of images in seconds and is much quicker than the average CT technology currently employed across the country.

Providing advanced applications and early visualization of disease states, the new system dramatically increases the amount of data acquired from a single scan, obtaining 64 views of the heart in a single rotation around the body.

The scanner’s ability to routinely deliver unmatched image quality and faster acquisition time is key for cardiac examinations, virtually freezing the heart’s motion. The increased speed facilitates data acquisition for patients who have higher heart rates or those who have difficulty holding their breath, such as elderly or pediatric patients.

Because doctors obtain incredibly detailed images of the anatomy, they can make more informed diagnostic decisions in a non-invasive manner. For example, with images that offer a clear 3D view of the heart without surgery, the new CT system offers an early and less painful look at possible heart problems. And, the fast turnaround time can lead to quicker intervention and treatment when necessary.