Butler Memorial Hospital Unveils New State-of-The-Art CT Scanner

Butler Memorial Hospital, part of Independence Health System, has installed the Siemens Healthineers SOMATOM® Force dual-source computed tomography (CT) scanner, expanding the facility’s advanced imaging capabilities. The new scanner features 4D and dual- energy spectral imaging, delivering high accuracy with low radiation doses. This technology provides information-rich functional images of the body’s internal structures, aiding healthcare professionals in diagnosing, treating and monitoring a number of medical conditions and injuries, including heart disease, lung cancer, fractures, and internal bleeding, among others.

With freeze motion technology, the scanner enables technologists to perform an entire chest, abdomen and pelvis study on an adult in just one second, benefiting patients who have trouble holding their breath. This feature is particularly advantageous for cardiovascular testing which captures images of the body’s fastest-moving anatomy.

“The SOMATOM® Force CT scanner allows for highly specialized testing, such as a Coronary CT Angiograms (CTA), which help detect coronary artery disease,” said Dr. Rekha Pinto, cardiologist at Butler Memorial Hospital. “These detailed scans enable us to better access the severity of the disease and determine an appropriate treatment option.”

Due to its low energy levels, the scanner overcomes traditional CT limitations. Low-dose lung cancer screenings can be achieved with the same contrast-to-noise ratio, in terms of image pixel noise, using reduced IV contrast without compromising the quality of the image. Additionally, this broadens the reach of patients with other conditions, such as renal insufficiency, who are sensitive to contrast.

“The advanced technology of the new CT scanner empowers our providers to obtain higher-quality images, even in the most challenging cases, due to its enhanced features and capabilities,” said Jeff Mechling, MBA, RT Director of Imaging Services at Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals. “It also underscores our commitment to enhancing accessibility to high-quality care to better serve our patients.”

To learn more about the offerings at Independence Health System, please visit www.independence.health.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health