India's first 320 slice CT scanner installed at Apollo Hospital

November 21, 2008

India's first 320 Slice Computed Tomography Scanner was installed at the Apollo Heart Centre in Chennai , Tamil Nadu. In a function organized at the Heart Centre, MRK Paneerselvam, minister for Health, Government of Tamil Nadu unveiled the state-of-the-art imaging equipment in the presence of Dr Robert Kwok, chief consultant radiologist and medical director Parkway Imaging Services, Singapore and Dr Prathap C Reddy, founder-chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group. The CT Scanner is capable of scanning the entire heart in just half-a-second.

According to hospital sources, the 320 Slice CT Scanner, a 'Dynamic Volume' scanner has 320 curved rows of X-ray detectors, each one 0.5 millimeter wide. Together, they cover an area about 16 cm wide, which is enough to capture an image of the entire brain or the entire heart within one heartbeat. The Aquilion ONE can image an entire organ, in a single rotation or over multiple rotations, showing real-time dynamic movement. Additionally, multi-phase studies, such as perfusion of the brain, heart and other organs, are also possible with the device.

Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals said, "A breakthrough in CT scanning, it is the most advanced diagnostic imaging tool in the world. It will help immensely in enhancing patient care. The device provides comprehensive examinations for the treatment of patients especially with heart diseases and stroke much faster and more accurately, enabling healthier lives. Using this advanced CT system, our clinicians can see, not only a three-dimensional depiction of an organ, but also how the organ and blood flow are dynamically functioning or moving within and around the organ."

About the specialties of the Scanner he said, it is possible to image an entire organ in a single rotation, for the first time, ensuring greater accuracy and diagnostic confidence. With the launch of this highly advanced non-invasive tool, Apollo hospitals will now have the capacity to offer highly advanced cardiac, neuro and whole body diagnostic services, improved patient management and enhanced clinical outcomes, on par with the most advanced healthcare economies of the world.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Kwok said "This new generation scanner represents a quantum leap in CT technology. It allows for not only more consistent cardiac examinations but also open up the possibility of functional cardiac imaging."

Elaborating on the advanced CT scanner, Dr Rochita, consultant radiologist, Apollo Hospitals said, "The 320 Slice CT Scanner shows promise for multiple cardiac applications, including stress perfusion and imaging."

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Source: http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=47083