July 19, 2010                                                                                  570-893-5420

 Lock Haven Hospital Acquires 40 Slice CT Scanner

 Definition AS is the world’s first patient adaptive scanner

Lock Haven, PA – Lock Haven Hospital has acquired a SOMATOM Definition AS CT Scanner. Developed and produced by Siemens, the Definition AS is the world’s first patient adaptive CT scanner.

“The Definition AS adapts to the unique needs of each patient and the unique diagnostic requests of our doctors,” said Eric Dershem, Radiology Manager for Lock Haven Hospital. “The scanner can adapt to the size and shape of each patient and also adapts to give the patient the lowest possible radiation dose, but still provides the highest image quality, putting the best diagnostic information into doctor’s hands.”

The 40 slice scanner takes 40 separate images per rotation, providing more diagnostic information, including three dimensional images, at greater speed, to physicians. The Definition AS also features the unique Adaptive Dose Shield, which moves shields into place to block unnecessary dosage in pre- and post-scan rotation.

“One of our goals at Lock Haven Hospital is to provide the community the highest possible level of quality care, right here. This scanner provides our doctors with a high-quality diagnostic tool, which equates to improved patient care,” said Cindy Segar-Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Lock Haven Hospital. “Patients don’t have to travel 50 or 100 miles away from home to get world class imaging, it is available to them right here.”

“When you combine the large bore opening of the scanner, the largest in the industry, with the speed of operation, the Definition AS is comfortable for patients of all sizes and for those who may be claustrophobic,” commented Dershem. “The speed of operation also makes the scanner more accessible to patients, because we can get patients through the process very quickly.”

CT Scanner Aides Surgeons

"The new CT scanner is an invaluable tool in preoperative planning of complex fractures,” said Dr. Apostolos Dimitroulias, orthopedic surgeon at Lock Haven Hospital. “The scanner’s software capabilities, with 2D and 3D reconstructions, allow a thorough understanding of individual anatomic details"

Dose Protection

Although all CT scanners have to use some amount of radiation to create images of the body, the SOMATOM Definition AS actively manages this radiation dose in 100 percent of Spiral examinations, blocking unnecessary doses for that particular patient before and after the spiral scan. Siemens’ Adaptive Dose Shield ensures that only the dose that is clinically relevant to the patient is applied.

“Siemens continuously researches and develops new ideas and solutions for dose reduction in CT,” said Peter Kingma, vice president, Computed Tomography, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. “By introducing the Definition AS with complete dose protection, we have optimized diagnostic quality while keeping patient safety our number one priority.”

New Uses for CT

With many CT scanners, physicians can see the structure, size, shape, and location of clinical details, but these images can’t answer all diagnostic questions. Lock Haven Hospital’s new CT provides additional vital information that enables doctors to differentiate, characterize, isolate and distinguish the tissue, making it easier to determine the disease.

To schedule a CT exam, patients can call the One Call Scheduling Department at (570)893-5501.

### 

QUALITY CARE – RIGHT HERE

The highly skilled team of health care professionals at Lock Haven Hospital is dedicated to keeping the Lock Haven community healthy. Lock Haven Hospital's areas of expertise and quality programs include:

general and vascular surgery, OB/GYN services, primary care, chronic pain management, orthopedic care and emergency services.

 LOCKHAVENHOSPITAL.COM