A computed tomography (CT) scan, sometimes referred to as a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan, is a special kind of X-ray that is used in conjunction with a powerful digital computer to capture cross-sectional "slices" or 3-dimensional images of the body’s tissues and organs and then reconstruct and display the image on a computer monitor. CT scans produce finely detailed images of bone, soft tissue, blood vessels, and organs including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas and are able to detect some conditions that regular X-rays cannot.

 

CT scans can sometimes replace exploratory surgery, saving patients unnecessary discomfort and inconvenience. CT scans can also aid surgery and other treatment modalities, such as radiation therapy, in which effective dosage is highly dependent on the precise density, size and location of a tumor.

 

CentraState is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in Computed Tomography. [Include ACR accreditation logo for CT here] ACR accreditation ensures that the physicians supervising and interpreting your medical imaging meet stringent education and training standards and that the technologists administering the imaging tests are certified. It also signifies that the imaging equipment is surveyed regularly by a qualified medical physicist to ensure that it is functioning properly.

 

Our CT capabilities helped CentraState earn licensed certification as a Primary Stroke Center from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. CT scans can provide vital information quickly when time is of the essence in accurately diagnosing and appropriately treating stroke to prevent or limit damage to brain tissue.

CentraState’s CT scanning capabilities include an ACR-accredited Phillips 16-slice CT scanner in the Radiology Department, and ACR-accredited Siemens Somatom Emotion 6 CT scanner in the Emergency Department to help expedite diagnoses and treatment in emergency situations. In partnership with Freehold Radiology Group in the Donna O’Donnell, RN, Medical Arts Building next door to the medical center, we also possess a top-of-the-line Brilliance 64-slice CT scanner by Philips Medical Imaging, which represents the leading edge in CT-scanning technology.

 

The 64-slice CT scanner produces CT images with several times more detail, consistency and speed than can be achieved with standard CT scanners in use today—which makes the 64-slice CT scanner particularly useful in examining dynamic organs, such as the beating heart and its major vessels. With the new 64-slice CT technology, scans can be timed to select only images gathered between heart contractions, which eliminates blurring that can be caused by the heartbeat motion. This new heart-scanning capability—commonly called coronary CTA—is transforming the way physicians diagnose and treat heart disease.

 

We also offer a combination PET/CT scanner, through our partnership with Freehold Radiology Group. This technology fuses the diagnostic capabilities of positron emission tomography (PET) and CT. This revolutionary tool pairs the fine structural detail of CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function, allowing physicians to identify both the presence of disease and its exact location earlier, more quickly and more accurately than ever before. In addition to facilitating their diagnosis and treatment, patients benefit from the efficiency of one comprehensive test rather than two separate ones.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive radiologic test using a special type of X-ray that allows physicians to visualize the blood flow within the heart and coronary arteries. Coronary CTA aids in assessing heart function and identifying buildup fatty deposits or calcium deposits that might interfere with blood flow.

 

Coronary CT angiography has been referred to as the next generation in cardiology care. Currently, one of the most common tests for determining the location and extent of blockages in the coronary arteries is the coronary angiogram, or cardiac catheterization. A more invasive test than coronary CTA, catheterization involves patient sedation and requires more patient recovery time than coronary CTA.

 

CentraState offers coronary computed angiography (CTA) in partnership with Freehold Radiology Group using a state-of-the-art Brilliance 64-slice CT scanner by Philips Medical Imaging, located in the Donna O’Donnell Medical Arts Building adjacent to CentraState Medical Center. The sophisticated 64-slice CT scanner contains more X-ray detectors than do standard CT scanners in use today and can produce CT images with several times more detail and speed, making it optimal for imaging dynamic organs such as the beating heart. For that reason, Coronary CTA often is referred to as "multi-detector" or "multi-slice" CT scanning.

 

During the coronary CTA examination, which usually takes about 10 minutes, the patient receives an injection of iodine contrast dye to help ensure the best images possible. X-rays pass through the organ under examination and are picked up by special detectors in the CT scanner. The information collected during the test is displayed as 3D images on a computer screen from which physicians can identify problem areas.

 

Coronary CTA scans at CentratState are performed by highly skilled board certified radiologists with additional certification or qualifications in vascular and interventional radiology and coronary CTA interpretation.