News Releases

New Scanner Enables Quicker, More Accurate Diagnosis at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital

Katy, Texas, September 21, 2004 -- A leading-edge computed tomography (CT) scanner recently installed at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital provides doctors with quick, top-quality images, facilitating prompt, accurate diagnosis for patients.

Physicians often use CT scans to noninvasively diagnose medical problems that aren’t easily detectable from normal physical examinations. The new Light Speed 16 CT scanner allows radiologists to simultaneously capture 16 wafer-thin images of a patient’s anatomy within seconds. Using computer technology, the images then can be used to produce three-dimensional visualizations of internal organs and structures.

“This technology allows us to reduce our scan time and increase our capacity to view body structures from different perspectives,” said Dr. Paul Bing, a Katy pulmonologist who regularly refers patients for CT scans. “High-resolution imaging often helps us avoid invasive diagnostic procedures.”

The top-of-the-line scanner captures images more quickly than older models, reducing radiation exposure for patients and the amount of time they must hold their breath during imaging. And since the scanner produces digital pictures instead of film exposures, doctors may view results almost instantly.

“Radiologists can actually view images at the same time the patient is getting off the table,” said Steve Dinwiddie, director of imaging services at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

Through the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), scanned images can be quickly transmitted to emergency room doctors at Memorial Hermann Katy or to other facilities within the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

Light Speed 16 CT is manufactured by GE Medical Systems.

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