NDIC INTRODUCES AREA’S FIRST INTEGRATED
PET/CT SCANNER
Exciting New Technology to Aid Doctors in the Detection and Diagnosis
of Cancer
November 12, 2003, NAPLES, FL – Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers (NDIC) has completed installation of the world’s first GE Discovery LS integrated PET/CT Scanner, with new imaging technology that will help doctors see and treat cancer. In fact, the scanner will help physicians deliver better cancer care from diagnosis to follow up.
The Discovery LS combines the fastest and most sophisticated positron emission
tomography (PET) system, the GE Advance™ NXi, with the most advanced computed tomography (CT) scanner, the GE LightSpeed™. “This is an exciting new development
in the physician’s detection and diagnosis of cancer,” said NDIC Manager Mike Conrath. “Combining PET and CT into one exam gives doctors two crucial pieces of information to help them prescribe the best course of treatment for their patients. We’re proud to be the first in the United States to offer this significant technological advance to our referring physicians and their patients.”
A PET scan detects changes in cellular function – how cells are utilizing nutrients like sugar and oxygen. Areas with a high degree of metabolic activity have a greater chance of being cancerous. A CT scan allows doctors to see the internal structures within the human body. Together a PET/CT scan allows doctors to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they can target the disease.
“In addition to the clinical advantages, offering patients a combined PET/CT scan
can reduce the amount of time they will have to spend undergoing multiple procedures,” according to Conrath. “The Discovery LS gives clinicians both metabolic and anatomic information in one 30-minute scan.”
The GE Discovery LS is manufactured by GE Medical Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin, a global leader in medical information and technology. Since 1997, GE has invested nearly $50 million in the development of the Discovery LS and $80 million in research and development of the LightSpeed CT and Advance NXi PET platforms.
The Integrated Pet/CT Scanner is among several innovative and advanced technologies, such as Cardiac CT Scanning and Digital X-Rays, that are being introduced at NDIC’s fifth and newest Collier County location at Medical Plaza I, opposite the NCH downtown campus at the corner of 8th Street North and 4th Avenue North. Its proximity to both the Hospital and the Lutgert Cancer Center will allow for integration of diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Other NDIC offices are located at Central Avenue and 10th Street in downtown Naples, on Medical Boulevard in North Naples, on Davis Blvd. in East Naples, and at the Marco Healthcare Center campus.
Naples’ first medical diagnostic facility, NDIC offers Open and High Field MRI, Diagnostic Radiology, Spiral CT, Mammography, Osteoporosis Evaluation, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac and Cancer Screening, and Non-invasive Vascular Testing in addition to the new modalities listed above. Its physicians are the only in their field to have privileges at Naples Community and North Collier Hospitals. Scheduling can be arranged by calling 435-7777.
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