National Jewish Health Introduces State-of-the-Art Imaging Equipment

New cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care and support research.

This week National Jewish Health is introducing additional state-of-the art radiology equipment that will improve patient care and the patient experience, as well as support advanced research. After an extensive evaluation process, the Naeotom Alpha computerized tomography (CT) and Magnetom Sola magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both from Siemens Healthineers, were selected and added to the advanced imaging capabilities of National Jewish Health. Both imaging machines utilize the latest in medical imaging technological advances, and National Jewish Health will be among the first organizations in the western United States to have the Naeotom Alpha CT technology. A CT scan is used to provide pictures of tissues, organs, and skeletal structure. An MRI captures images that help doctors determine if there are abnormal tissues within the body.
 

“This is powerful new equipment that provides better detailed images for medical providers, which will enhance our abilities at disease diagnosis as well as support the study of disease progression,” said Debra Dyer, MD, chair of the Department of Radiology at National Jewish Health.

The Naeotom Alpha CT introduces photon counting CT capabilities. Photon counting is a fundamental breakthrough in CT technology that provides improved spatial resolution, less image noise, a reduced patient radiation dose and true spectral imaging at multiple photon energy thresholds.

“The photon counting technology will provide us with a more efficient production of the image, superior image detail and quality, and will allow us to provide patients and physicians with more a detailed report,” said Dr. Dyer. “Being able to see the finest detail is crucial when evaluating patients with interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, coronary diseases and other unusual airway diseases.”

The new CT machine and software will allow clinicians and researchers evaluating lung nodules to have a better understanding of how they behave and grow over time. They also will be better equipped to follow the progression of other chronic respiratory and oncological disorders.

The new Magnetom Sola MRI is faster and quieter, while also providing doctors and patients better image quality. Other features include a wider opening to improve patient comfort, the ability to acquire many scans without patients needing to hold their breath, advanced cardiac sequences and artificial intelligence powered image reconstruction to improve image quality.

“The new MRI will allow us to build on our existing expertise and provide superb cardiac, abdominal and musculoskeletal MRI,” said Dr. Dyer.