EASLEY — With the arrival of the new VCT 64-Slice CT Scanner at Baptist Easley, patients can now receive CT scans in a shorter amount of time and with less radiation exposure. Less contrast is needed (for contrasted studies), thus making it a safer procedure.

“A 64-slice CT scanner is the newest generation of CT technology,” said John Cooper, MD, radiologist. “Having this scanner at Baptist Easley Hospital puts our hospital on par with the largest medical centers in the area.”

During a CT scan, the scanner rotates around the patient and takes a large number of x-ray images. These x-ray images are then sent to a computer for processing. Because the images are taken from a variety of angles, the computer is able to put them together and create a 3-dimensional image of the patient. Unlike a traditional x-ray, which is taken in only 2-dimensions, this image allows the physician to look at the arteries and other organs in the body from essentially any direction. This is extremely valuable in the diagnosis of disease.

One of the major advantages of 64-Slice CT Scanner is the ability to scan the heart. The heart is constantly changing in shape and size as it beats, which makes it difficult to take detailed images.

This new technology at Baptist Easley Hospital will aid cardiologists and radiologists in evaluating a patient’s coronary arteries to determine if there is atherosclerosis.

The Baptist Easley Hospital Foundation held a special campaign supported by employees, volunteers and the community.

With almost $407,000 from the Baptist Easley Foundation and a matching gift from Greenville Hospital System, the purchase of the 64-slice scanner was possible.

“We are proud that a community like Easley and a hospital the size of Baptist Easley is able to have this amazing technology like the 64-Slice,” said Kevin Kay, 2012 chairman of the Foundation board.
The 64-slice is located in the Imaging Department at Baptist Easley Hospital. A physician referral is required.