At one time, X-ray vision was a promise made only in the movies. Today, physicians look through  your body and into the future.

St. Joseph-s Imaging Center is the first facility in Florida to have the new state-of-the-art “OPEN” PET/CT. Exceeding the accuracy of stand-alone PET systems, the PET/CT combines the functional information of a PET scan with the anatomic information of a CT scan. And PET/CT easily combines images taken at different times and from different positions, thus providing the most accurate fusion images.

This combined PET and CT technology has unique advantages no other diagnostic technique can match:

• The immediate fusion of PET and CT data provides the most accurate diagnostic detail for determining Radiation Therapy planning.
  
• Integrated fusion of imaging data allows an opportunity to minimize field to tumor area, sparing normal tissue during Radiation Therapy.
  
• PET/CT scans often reveal illnesses much earlier than conventional diagnostic tests.
  
• PET/CT scans reduce scan time by 15 to 20 minutes compared to current PET technology.
  
• Most claustrophobic patients are comfortable in the open environment.

The state-of-the-art tool is highly accurate in diagnosing cancers as well as heart and brain disorders.

Safe, painless and tolerable by patients, the new system replaces older, less precise tests requiring more time and expense. It is a complement to CT and MRI studies.

Unlike other diagnostic imaging modalities, PET/CT visualizes disease processes overlaid on anatomy. This is particularly beneficial in cancer detection with the system-s ability to indicate extent of disease and differentiate normal tissue areas from diseased tissue.

The fusion-imaging component of the system links to St. Joseph's radiation treatment planning software. Following a scan, radiation therapists can incorporate the PET/CT-s detailed imaging to devise the most precise method of directing radiation to a tumor site to spare healthy tissue.

The stand-alone multislice CT system will allow the St. Joseph's Hospital Imaging Center the opportunity to provide new procedures such as CT angiography, Cardiac Scoring, Lung nodule assessment and virtual colonoscopy.

Procedures & Locations
General Appointment Information
SOMATOM Sensation 64 CT Scanner
Dual Open PET/CT Scan