The GE Medical System Pro-Speed offers a highly automatic scanner with multi-tasking capabilities and produces exceptional image quality. Scans can be routinely acquired in three to five seconds. Spiral CT, also known as helical or volumetric-acquisition CT, is a kind of rebirth of the conventional CT. It is a technique by which the volume area is scanned as the patient continuously travels through the scan field, while data is acquired along the spiral path. Spiral CT is a mobile table that works in conjunction with a revolving camera that provides continuous exposure to the patient.

Advantages

• Spiral CT will produce a clearer, more defined image and provides better details.

• Spiral CT is 8 to 10 times faster than a traditional CT scanner. This saves time and reduces radiation exposure by eliminating the need for multiple scans.

• Spiral CT can digitally reconstruct more than one image from a single slice and allows for multiplaner reformatting (overlapping structure).

• Spiral CT has the ability to scan an entire region in a single breath hold, averaging about 30 seconds or less. Shorter scan time allows coordination of peak contrast enhancement, which results in clearer images and about 1/3 less dye load.

• Spiral CT can be used for lung, liver, pancreatic and heart applications. These are all areas that respirations can affect. The spiral CT is better here because there is little chance that respiration can blur the film.

• Spiral CT can be used to detect arterial sclerosis of the carotids, renal arteries, aorta, and pulmonary embolism. Using the Spiral CT can offer better distinctions between tissue and lesions, as well as detailed views of vascular anatomy.

• Spiral CT can help in locating the presence and location of aneurysms in patients with subarachnoid bleeding.

• Spiral CT has the ability to differentiate between bone tissue, fluid and other soft tissues. With a Spiral CT you are able to make paper-thin slices in the area between the larger slices, If a tiny tumor falls between the larger slices, with spiral CT, you can now detect it.

• Spiral CT can be used for detection/location of kidney stones in place of IVP. (it is used for 3 phase kidney test with contrast for arterial, venous and delayed phase).

• Spiral CT can be used for orthopaedic patients: reconstruction, fractures, bone inflammation, bone bruise or metastasis, detail of tissues for pathology and post surgical evaluations.

• Spiral CT is used to scan small children as the scan time is faster, and it is unlikely the child will need sedation.