64-slice CT scanner is a new innovation to examine one’s heart.  The machine takes multiple images of the heart, which is assembled into a three-dimensional picture at a higher resolution than the conventional scanners. The entire scanning procedure is now extremely fast and non-invasive. The machine shows the state of the arteries down to the finest detail, including stents and the minutes endothelial changes.

This is the first 64 slice CT scanner installed in Nigeria and sub-saharan Africa.

Unique applications of this machine in addition to the conventional CT scanner applications include

 (i)  Much shorter scan time- For example the whole body is scanned in 12 seconds, with excellent details in images acquired.

(ii)  Non invasive Cardiac studies including Coronary Angiography thereby avoiding the risk of catheterization and heparin administration. 

(iii)  It has a programme for triple-screening to exclude severe coronary stenosis, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection in the same study and at the same time.

(iv) Cerebral Perfusion Study- It improves prognostic indicator for brain cell functions.

(v) Virtual Colonoscopy Study- An excellent non invasive method of detecting early pre-malignant polypoidal lesions in the colon therefore the huge advantage as in screening test. Unlike the direct-vision colonoscopy, it does not encounter ‘difficult-to-access’ areas nor the risk of perforation.

(vi) Virtual Brochoscopy Study - Virtual bronchoscopy is able to evaluate bronchial stenosis and obstruction caused by both endoluminal pathology (tumor, mucus, foreign bodies) and external compression (anatomical structures, tumor, lymph nodes). Can be helpful in the preoperative planning of stent placement and can be used to evaluate surgical sutures after lung transplantations, lobectomy or pneumectomy.Virtual bronchoscopy contributes to a better understanding of tracheo-bronchial pathology

(vii) Pneumographic Studies – It is accurate in measuring lung volumes and determines restrictive pulmonary disease. It also offers real time lung function images both in inspiration and expiration.

(viii) Inner Ear Studies- It has a possible resolution of 0.6mm per rotation thereby giving details of the inner ear structures, with post-processing algorithms giving excellent images.

(ix) Osteoporosis – Shows bone density therefore highly beneficial to patients with endocrine disorder and post menopausal women.

(x) Spinal/Joint Studies – Gives amazingly detailed images of the spine and joints in three dimensions and allows’ high speed reconstruction of such images.

(xi) Urological CT IVU Studies- Reveals detailed images of the urinary system with contrast media to detect any urinary tract abnormalities.

Patients that will benefit from these studies