Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge has installed a breakthrough medical imaging system that produces more detailed images of the body than were previously possible. It helps doctors help patients in several ways.

David Newman uses Methodist's new CT Scanner

"The new computed tomography (CT) scanner gives doctors more diagnostic information than ever, which is useful in routine situations. Its faster speed saves valuable time in emergency situations," according to David Newman, director of radiology at Methodist.

CT or "cat" scans combine x-ray technology with computers, and allow doctors to see wafer-thin cross sections of a patient's anatomy without surgery.

"Emergency room doctors often rely on images from CT scanners to assess the extent of a patient's internal injuries during the first and most critical hour of trauma. With a shorter scan time, they can begin treatment sooner," he said.

The LightSpeed scanner developed by GE Medical Systems has other potential benefits, as well. It may reduce diagnostic time and increase image clarity for diagnosis of cancer, blood clots, cardiac conditions, spinal injuries, pediatric conditions, and other disorders. Patients are more comfortable during procedures than previously because they do not have to hold their breath as long or remain in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.