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BWH is among the first hospitals in New England to deploy a 64-slice computerized tomography (CT) system in its Emergency Department (ED). The scanner brings the ED a 16-fold leap in imaging speed compared with the previous scanner, as well as higher resolution images that can improve diagnostic capabilities. These new advantages will accelerate clinical diagnosis and allow some patients to avoid hospitalization or invasive procedures.
“Chest pain is one of the most common complaints among ED patients,” said Stephen Ledbetter, MD, director of Emergency Radiology. Previously, cardiac catheterization was the only way to definitively diagnose coronary artery blockage. The new CT technology allows for high-resolution images of coronary arteries so physicians caring for ED patients complaining of chest pain will have additional options.
“We believe that the CT scanner will develop a role in the triage of certain lower-risk patients for cardiac catheterization,” said Ledbetter. If the images reveal that arteries are normal, these patients might avoid an invasive procedure and hospitalization altogether. If a scan shows abnormalities, those patients will proceed to cardiac catheterization for testing and treatment.
Patients with chest pain aren't the only ones who stand to gain from the new technology. The speed of the machine will benefit trauma patients and other patients who need rapid, high-resolution imaging such as patients with neurological symptoms suggesting stroke or other vascular emergencies.
“This state-of-the-art CT scanner is part of our collaborative effort with Emergency Medicine to provide the highest quality of care to ED patients at BWH,” said Ledbetter. “Radiology's overarching goal is to provide a full range of advanced emergency radiological services in the ED around the clock to support our mission of patient care. Appropriate use of imaging can improve diagnosis and expedite care while reducing unnecessary admissions, length of stay and cost to the hospital.”