Diagnostic tools added at CHI Health

CORNING – CHI Health Mercy Corning recently added two new diagnostic tools to support quality patient care. The radiology department installed the SOMATOM Perspective CT scanner from Siemens Medical Solutions and the other new equipment is the Philips EPIQ ultrasound system.

A key reason for the upgrade in the equipment is the ability of the SOMATOM 64-slice Perspective CT scanner to extend the range of available examinations to patients at reduced radiation doses. The scanner is an innovative solution that helps to provide maximum care for patients at minimum radiation exposure.

“In our continued efforts to deliver the best patient care our new scanner incorporates dose-reduction technologies along with patient-centric features that streamline the scan, making for a comfortable and relaxed patient experience,” said Gary Pontius, radiology supervisor. “We will be doing procedures significantly faster than previously able to perform. This is important while being able to provide a higher-quality diagnostic image.”

The SOMATOM Perspective can image all body regions and is able to detect small diagnostic details by using information from 64 slices. With the added benefit of a 38-mm-wide detector, trade-offs between scan speed and image quality are not necessary and breath hold-time for patients is reduced, thereby decreasing the need for rescans. This can be a key factor for imaging children and getting quality images.

“We are excited that we are now able to offer lung cancer screening for patients identified at risk but who are not currently showing signs of cancer. Medicare and private insurance will cover this screening for individuals who have reached a certain age and smoked for years but have no symptoms of cancer,” said Lisa Wolfe, director ancillary services. “Early detection of any cancer improves treatment success and survival rate.”

The new CT scanner was possible because of a grant received by the hospital.

“We are extremely grateful to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust for their philanthropic support of health-care in our communities,” said Deb Goldsmith, president of CHI Health Mercy Corning. “As a regional, rural critical-access hospital, keeping up with technology can be difficult. This grant allowed us to provide the quality of care our patients expect, in a setting close to home.”

Philips EPIQ5, new ultrasound equipment, is another improved diagnostic tool within the radiology department. This equipment is designed to allow for a quick and accurate diagnosis in less time. The advanced capability of EPIQ5 helps provide enhanced clinical information from each scan as well as fast and consistent exams. This reduced scanning time is especially crucial in the case of patients who are critically ill and for pediatric patients where patient movement is an issue.

“Again, the selection of this equipment was about the difference we can make for our patients with performing quality images for diagnosing illnesses. The Philips EPIQ5 has improved clarity of images, through pure wave technology,” said Pontius.

Also noted was the resolution which has vastly improved over past equipment and allows the technologist better penetration through layers while still capturing quality images for diagnostic purposes.

A key group of patients will be those needing vascular studies because the equipment has an improved sensitivity to blood flow for carotid arteries and arteries in the leg.

“Both of these diagnostic tools are digital and that means that the image is rapidly connected to the patient’s record within our EPIC system,” Wolfe said. “This gives the provider, no matter where they are located, the ease of review and diagnosis for the patient.”

Pontius and Wolfe both shared that the equipment is only one part of the equation for providing quality care.

“We have outstanding trained staff members able to utilize the equipment while at the same time being compassionate in their interaction with the patient. The staff, equipment and high quality customer service provided to our patients will continue in our community well into the future.”