World’s First Dual Source Heart CT Scanner - Siemens Medical and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) operating the dual source CT scanner developed by Siemens Medical enabling radiologists to perform noninvasive tests on patients showing signs of cardiac illness much more quickly and less costly than other methods. The technology is part of a strategic alliance that MUSC entered into with Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.

The dual source CT is a significant enhancement over the “64-slice” CT technology. The dual source CT reduces radiation by 50 percent compared to the 64 slice CT.

MUSC is considered among the world’s top institutions for cardiac imaging as studies are interpreted by internationally renowned radiologists and cardiologists. This new technology represents a $2.2-million investment by MUSC.

The technology is especially useful in detecting cardiac illness in women. Unlike the nuclear tests, in which radioactive material is injected into a patient to detect the functional image of the heart, the dual source CT uses x-rays that actually freeze the image of heart and vascular system. This enables radiologists to see from the inside exactly where the trouble is.

The alliance, will provide MUSC $40 million worth of groundbreaking technology during the next several years, and is designed to establish the academic Medical Center as one of the preeminent institutions for imaging in clinical care and scientific research

The agreement will bring to MUSC a broad array of the latest in imaging equipment that will provide patients with access to the best diagnostic tools available, and will provide researchers with technology to advance the applications of imaging in nearly every field of medicine.