Medical scans have been very beneficial to many patients in Yucca Valley, California. With a scan of certain areas of the body, physicians and radiologists have been able to detect and diagnose diseases and injuries early enough so that they may be effectively treated. In many instances, treatment that is administered at an early stage of a disease has a much better success rate than treatment administered later in the disease's progression. Patients should consult with their physician or with a radiologist to determine if a scan is either necessary or may be helpful.
As scanning technology continues to develop, the accuracy and success of scans does as well. The 16 Slice CT scan was for years the standard among scanning technology, but the 64 Slice CT scan has taken over in the eyes of many radiologists. One reason for this that with the 16 Slice CT scan, patients were required to hold their breath for 25 to 40 seconds, while with the 64 Slice CT scan, patients may be required to hold their breath for a only a few seconds. In less than five seconds, the 64 Slice CT scan may produce a picture of the heart, brain or both lungs. The image produced by the latter is also much clearer and allows the physician to obtain a more accurate read in many cases.
A full body scan may be obtained in about 30 seconds with the new technological advances that make this scan possible. Patients who once may have relied on a traditional angiography or cardiac catheterization may in some cases turn to the 64 Slice CT scan. A cardiac catheterization is still the only way to confirm coronary artery disease, but with time, many expect the 64 Slice CT scan to replace this method. Patients are strongly encouraged to speak with a physician regarding the detection or confirmation of coronary artery disease and follow their instructions or advice. The new scan is less invasive than many other procedures that may require bed rest or invasive means.
Computed tomography technology relies on x-rays that obtain images and data from different angles. These images are then processed by a computer and form a 3 dimensional image of the body or organ being scanned. As the heart is constantly beating, 16 Slice CT scans could not be used to obtain images of it. With the new 64 Slice CT scan, images of the heart using CT technology are now possible.
As the best images are often obtained when the heart is at a slow rate, a doctor may give patients medication to slow their heart rate before the procedure. The patient will lie down on a table and the scan is performed. Most scans take around 15 seconds to perform. Afterwards, the patient is free to go home. Patients are encouraged to speak with their physician to determine if a 64 Slice CT scan may benefit them.
While CT scanning offers many benefits to patients, both in diagnosis and treatment of disease, this technology is not perfect. While it has been successful in providing 3 dimensional images of certain organs in the body, it may fall short in identifying calcium precipitates around blood vessels. It may also fail to detect plaque. Any narrowing inside of a coronary stint will not be detected with this scan. Patients with mechanical heart valves, pacemaker leads and other foreign objects near the heart may not receive the best results, as these objects may interfere with the scan's images.
Moreover, the 64 Slice CT scan is not void of radiation exposure and therefore may not be suitable for women who are pregnant. Before undergoing any scan, patients should speak with a physician or radiologist to discuss its advantages and possible risks.
Learn more about 64 slice CT scans in Yucca Valley, California.
