If you are claustrophobic, the thought of a CAT scan may be intimidating. Even if you're not, it's comforting to know that the x-ray scanning procedure may now be conducted in much less time, with much clearer results.

What is a CAT Scan?

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) is an image made by Computed Tomography (CT). In computed tomography, a three-dimensional image of the patient is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis. During a CAT scan, the patient lies on a table that passes through a circular, or doughnut-shaped, x-ray system where the cross-sectional images are recorded.

Reduced Imaging Time, Quicker Results

Tri-City Medical Center has state-of-the-art General Electric CAT scan systems in its Imaging Services that dramatically reduce imaging times while delivering more diagnostic information. With the new system in Imaging Services, the patient passes through the imaging system much more quickly.

A diagnostic scan that may have taken over five minutes with older equipment might be completed in less than a minute, supplying quicker results.

Increased Diagnostic Capability

Accompanying the scanners is a cutting edge computer workstation that creates 3-dimensional images from the detailed CAT scan images and an electronic picture archive system that allows Tri-City radiologists to send diagnostic images to physicians and other medical center departments.

According to Steven Eilenberg, M.D., Director of MRI and CT (magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography), "These new CAT scanners allow us to perform examinations that were not practical or sometimes even possible before, like 3-D views of bone fractures, facial deformities or angiograms of arteries to vital organs. It has given us a great diagnostic advantage. We are very fortunate to have such exquisite imaging equipment at Tri-City Medical Center."