Photos by Maria Gamboa
Montfort made public its Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner on Thursday, November 2. Although the CT Scanner was in use for the past several weeks and was functioning at three-quarters of its capacity; it is now accessible to the region’s population.This simple, quick, highly precise and non-invasive examination is more comfortable for the patient and allows most serious cardiac diseases and disorders as well as pulmonary embolisms to be detected.
In collaboration with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Montfort Hospital is working so that the device is used to diagnose patients with pulmonary problems, or possible fractures, among other things.
The new piece was unveiled in the presence of two grateful patients along with doctors, healthcare professionals, and media. During the event, attendees witnessed the new cutting-edge equipment in action and heard Mr. Kevin Ciesielski’s testimony.
It was said that he appeared to be in good shape “but presented atypical symptoms – shortness of breath and chest pain. After a battery of tests which proved to be inconclusive, [I] was referred to Montfort in early October 2017, [being] one of the first patients to undergo a CT scan.”
“In just a few seconds, the images captured by the scanner and transmitted to the cardiac module showed significant blockages of Mr. Ciesielski’s coronary arteries. He was immediately transferred to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to undergo a triple bypass surgery.”
As it was expected, he is currently recovering well thanks to a timely intervention that saved his life.
Mr. William Holland and his wife were also at the unveiling. Holland was another patient who was able to quickly receive the necessary cardiac care. He suffered from atrial fibrillation and ended up having to undergo open-heart surgery.
Cardiologists, Radiologists and Medical Imaging Staff, who use this technology every day, explained that the scanner generates clear images of vital organs by rotating around a stationary table in 0.275 seconds taking 320 simultaneous image slices.
“By obtaining the most direct imaging of the heart’s anatomy, the new CT Scanner can analyze the functioning of the arteries in a single heartbeat, enabling quick diagnosis of various conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.”
“This new scanner emits less radiation, it is all the more valuable as a diagnostic tool.”
The Campaign Cabinet Chair, Lawrence Greenspon thanked all donors who contributed to acquiring this 2.5-million CT Scanner. “The For You, Sweet Heart Fundraising Campaign is at 73% of its objective, and there is still time to donate. The funds raised will enable all of the CT Scanner’s capabilities to be deployed so that it may be used to its full capacity.”
