The Valley Hospital is now using two Naeotom Alpha with Quantum Technology computed tomography scanners — the first photon-counting CT.
The Valley Hospital is one of the earliest adopters in the U.S. and the first institution in New Jersey to utilize this technology for diagnostic imaging, according to Siemens Healthineers.
“This technology generates images with a high level of detail not seen with traditional CT scans,” Kristien Zingone, director of diagnostic imaging at the Valley Hospital, said. “Using this scanner, physicians can make more confident clinical decisions with diagnostic consistency.”
The centerpiece of this scanner is a photon-counting detector that is a quantum jump from traditional CT scanners in its ability to accurately measure energy levels of X-rays essential to produce high-quality CT images. The ultra-high-resolution images obtained offer the patient’s clinical team vivid, detailed imaging that goes beyond the scope of traditional CT imaging, such as the ability to take more clear images of patients who have metal inside their body.
For pulmonary, cardiac and oncology patients with conditions that can be difficult to effectively image, the Naeotom Alpha offers greater levels of image detail.
“This new CT scanner has been impactful when it comes to cardiac imaging,” Dr. Himanshu Gupta, director of cardiac imaging for the Valley Hospital, said. “The images obtained provide remarkable resolution, revealing an impressive view of the patient’s coronary arteries. We are able to scan patients with metal stents, high coronary calcium burden and prosthetic heart valves in details that are not possible with previous-generation CT scanners.”
This technology is currently being used for inpatient and outpatient diagnostic imaging at the Valley Hospital, with plans to expand to other outpatient Valley locations in the future.
