POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Lewis County General Hospital have cooperated in buying new computed tomography (CT) scanners with lower doses  of radiation.

The Siemens Somatom Definition 64-Slice CT with Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS) technology delivers up to 60 percent less radiation than other scanners, with improved picture quality.

C-PH and Lewis County General were in the market for the new equipment at the same time, and so they collaborated in researching and purchasing the machines.

CT scanners use x-rays to capture detailed images of the body in cross-sections or “slices,” which are then digitally reassembled for diagnosis. X-rays deliver limited, measured amounts of radiation to the body.

In recent years, the diagnostic precision of CT scanning has increased its use. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the risk of cancer developing over one’s lifetime increases with over-exposure to radiation; today’s children are at increased risk, because of their greater life-expectancy. The risks of over-exposure spurred the medical and scientific community to seek lower-dose technology as an alternative. A recent article in the December, 2010 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that “clinicians can play a role in minimizing radiation risk to their patients by referring their patients to centers with a commitment to minimizing radiation dose.”

“Physicians and scientists, as well as patients and their families, have been concerned over the amount of radiation patients receive in traditional CT scanning,” said G. Michael Maresca, MD, Radiologist, Chief of Radiology and Chief of the Medical Staff at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and President of St. Lawrence Radiology Associates, PC, which provides imaging services to CPH as well as to Lewis County General Hospital in Lowville, and other hospitals in New York and Pennsylvania.

“Until now, that concern has presented us with a dilemma, because we need CT technology for images that are clear and precise so that patients receive the most accurate diagnosis,” he added. “Even though the risk is very low for most people, we have a responsibility to minimize it as much as possible,” Dr. Maresca said.

“The imaging experts at our hospitals were impressed with the solution from Siemens,” Dr. Maresca said. “Siemens developed a CT scanner that captures vivid, precise images of the body, with a safer level of exposure to radiation for the patient. This results in high-quality diagnostic tools for physicians, and improves the experience for the patient, especially over his or her lifetime,” said Dr. Maresca.

“We appreciate the fact that St. Lawrence Radiology identified this opportunity to work with Canton-Potsdam Hospital,” said Eric R. Burch, CEO of Lewis County General Hospital. “This collaboration is truly a win-win that was in the best interest of our patients and communities. We look forward to exploring other opportunities to collaborate in the future,” Mr. Burch added.

“We’re committed to collaboration with other hospitals and health care providers locally to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care,” said David B. Acker, FACHE, President and CEO of Canton-Potsdam Hospital. “Lewis County General Hospital worked in partnership with us to explore the best alternatives,” he said.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital was the first in the region to install a 64-slice CT scanner. The hospital invested in the Siemens Somatom Sensation scanner, which integrated earlier efforts at dose-reduction. These included Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure (CARE)Dose4D, an algorithm that allows the scanner to continuously adjust and optimize x-ray current tube output based on the physical characteristics of the patient and the region of the body being scanned. Siemens then introduced its ultra-fast ceramic (UFC) detector, which reduced exposure time by reducing the time it takes to capture an image. Further enhancements included a device that reduces exposure based on a patient’s heartbeat as measured through electrocardiograms (ECGs), and a device that shields particularly sensitive areas of the body, such as breast tissue in women and the cornea of the eyes in all patients. The new Siemens Somatom Definition combines all of these advances, in addition to providing dual x-ray tubes that provide faster, clearer imaging at a lower dose.

In addition to achieving their goals for greater safety and quality, the two hospitals were able to reduce costs. “By working together, we received better pricing than we would have achieved separately,” said Mr. Acker. “Healthcare dollars are precious in this economy, and we collaborated to stretch ours, while increasing quality. You don’t see that every day,” he added.

“The benefit to patients is in the safer dosing,” said Dr. Maresca. “But the ultimate benefit to the community goes beyond that, because the savings will assist us to continue investing in technological advances that improve patient care.”

Tara Murphy, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Lewis County General Hospital agrees: “We are very excited to be able to offer our community the latest in technology, while at the same time reducing the radiation dose, which makes for a safer, more effective scan.”

Following installation and rigorous training for its imaging technologists, Canton-Potsdam Hospital expects to make the new lower-dose CT scanner available to patients in April, 2011.

For more information about imaging at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, interested individuals should visit www.cphospital.org or contact Stacie M. Woodward, Interim Director of Imaging, at 261-5930.