Apollo introduces India's first '320 Slice CT Scanner'

Chennai, Nov 20 (UNI) Marking a milestone in patient care, India's first '320 Slice CT Scanner' was unveiled at the Apollo Heart Centre by Tamil Nadu Health Minister M R K Paneerselvam today.

The Scanner was launched in the presence of Dr Robert Kwok, Chief Consultant Radiologist and Medical Director Parkway Imaging Services, Singapore, and Dr Prathap C Reddy of Apollo Hospitals.

The '320 Slice CT Scanner,' a ''Dynamic Volume'' scanner has 320 curved rows of X-ray detectors, each 0.5 millimeter wide.

Together, they cover an area about 16 cm wide which was enough to capture an image of the entire brain or the entire heart within one heartbeat.

The 'Aquilion ONE' can image an entire organ, in a single rotation or over multiple rotations, showing real-time dynamic movement.

Morever, multi-phase studies, such as perfusion of the brain, heart and other organs would be possible with the device.

Describing as a breakthrough in CT Scanning, Dr Reddy said it was the most advanced diagnostic imaging tool in the world which would immensely help in enhancing patient care.

''The device provides comprehensive examinations for the treatment of patients especially with heart diseases and stroke much faster and more accurately, enabling healthier lives.

Dr Robert Kwok said this new generation of scanner represents a quantum leap in CT technology.

''It allows for not only more consistent cardiac examinations but also open up the possibility of functional cardiac imaging,'' he added.

The '320 Slice CT Scanner,' the seventh of its kind in the world, has now been installed at the Apollo Heart Centre here.

Leading hospital across the world, including Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Mount Elizabeth Hospital, were the early adopters of this technology.

UNI GV DS AE RK1938