Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Invests $2.2M in New 256 Slice CT Scanner

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a 256-slice CT 160mm detector CT (computed tomography) machine, further enhancing its commitment to providing advanced healthcare technologies for our community's patients. This innovative CT scanner represents a significant investment by Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, with over $2.2 million dollars allocated to procure and install this equipment, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare services and better serving the needs of our community.
 
The new CT scanner offers wide coverage, allowing for the comprehensive scanning of entire organs like the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas in a single 0.28-second rotation. This not only reduces the need for patients to hold their breath during scans but also utilizes low-dose radiation and significantly improves visual detail. Its high-definition imaging capabilities enable clinicians to confidently diagnose various conditions, including cardiac exams in a single heartbeat, whole brain imaging in less than a second, low-dose whole organ diagnosis for oncology patients, detailed bone imaging (even for patients with metal implants), and sedation-free low-dose scans for pediatric patients. The scanner also includes increased table weight limits to serve our growing bariatric program.
 
Robert Parker, Chief Executive Officer at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, states, "This new CT scanner is a game-changer for healthcare in our region. It's an incredibly rare technology in the state, and it's right here in our community. This innovative technology signifies our unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care, ensuring the folks in our community receive access to the latest medical technologies for superior diagnostic accuracy and patient care.”

 
The 256-slice CT scanner represents a significant advancement over previous technologies. Nathan Bennett, Senior Director of Imaging Services at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, explained, "Previously, we had a 64-slice CT with a smaller 40mm detector, which required multiple rotations to fully scan an organ. This new CT performs a more thorough scan in one rotation that takes a fraction of a second to complete." He further elaborated, "For example, with this new technology, we can scan whole brain coverage for acute stroke workup in less than 5 minutes. When time is of the utmost importance in stroke, this will help us deliver life-saving care even faster."
 
Computed Tomography, commonly known as CT or CAT scan, is an advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that utilizes X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The evolution of CT technology, from 16-slice scanners to 64-slice and now 256-slice scanners, has significantly improved imaging speed and reduced radiation exposure. This technological advancement represents a significant milestone in Lake Cumberland’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional healthcare services to the community.
 
For more information about our imaging services, please visit us online at LakeCumberlandHospital.com/imaging-and-radiology