New CT Scanner at Piedmont Newnan Produces Advanced Images

Pictured above: The SOMATOM Force Dual Source CT produces faster, more advanced images.

From Piedmont Newnan Hospital Press Release

A breakthrough in computed tomography (CT) technology is enabling physicians at Piedmont Newnan Hospital to obtain high accuracy, low dose, and stunning, high-resolution, information-rich images.

The hospital is among the few in the United States to offer the SOMATOM Force, a dual-source CT scanner that produces advanced imaging in a short amount of time and with a much lower dose of radiation. 

“The images produced, and the speed and relative ease of the procedure, makes this a very valuable piece of technology for our physicians, our imaging department, and the patients they care for,” said Vicki Kaiser, COO of Piedmont Newnan. “I was fortunate enough to try the SOMATOM Force and was very impressed with the incredible image it was able to create.”

The SOMATOM Force enables the user to perform an entire adult chest, abdomen, and pelvis study in only one second, so patients do not need to hold their breath. This is especially helpful for patients who present with shortness of breath or those being evaluated for pulmonary embolism. The physician and radiologist can now make faster, more confident decisions and deliver timely intervention. In cardiac imaging, the SOMATOM Force can obtain an entire study within a single heartbeat, capturing even the fastest-moving anatomy such as the right coronary artery.

“My scan showed a slight blockage in one of my arteries and despite being physically fit and eating healthy, it is due to my genetics,” said Kaiser. “My dad died of heart disease in his early fifties, along with other members of my extended family, but with this new technology available, I’m confident he would still be alive today.” 

For anyone that is experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or for those with a strong family history of heart disease, it is recommended that they see a cardiologist. 

“With advanced testing and imaging available, the earlier we are able to diagnosis someone and start treatment, the better the outcome,” said Dr. Sujith Kuruvilla, cardiologist who specializes in hypertension, heart failure, and cardiovascular imaging. “With the new CT Force, we are able to identify if the blockage is from calcium buildup or due to cholesterol, and also weigh out if the person’s chest pain is caused by blockage or not.” 

In addition to producing amazing cardiac images, the dual source CT also enables low-dose imaging in lung and colon exams. Patients diagnosed with lung or colon cancer often need to have follow-up imaging performed and this low dose option will enable more decisive treatment and post-therapy evaluations from physicians and oncologists. 

Piedmont Heart Institute is ranked top in Georgia for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News and World Report, ranks in the top 5 percent in the country among cardiovascular organizations and is the only program in Atlanta consistently recognized with the Cardiac Care Excellence Award – a mark of quality it has earned for more than 10 years. 

In addition, Piedmont Newnan has consistently earned the MI Registry’s Platinum Performance Achievement Award since 2019, which recognizes Piedmont Newnan’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Piedmont Newnan has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.  

“These recognitions demonstrate our staff and physicians’ consistent commitment to safety and high quality, patient-centered care,” said Kaiser. “Advanced technology like the SOMATOM Force helps them deliver that care and continue to make a positive difference in every life they touch.”

To learn more about radiology and imaging services at Piedmont Newnan, visit piedmont.org/Newnan.