A new high performance PET/CT scanner is set to benefit cancer and dementia patients in the region.
A Siemens Healthineers Biograph Vision 450 has been installed at Noosa Radiology.
Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital and Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital are the only other health facilities with the technology in South-East Queensland.
It also marks the first time that patients in Noosa will have access to a PET/CT scan.
The machine is set to help patients by producing high-quality images and reducing radiation exposure and scan times, while improving the accuracy and confidence with which clinicians can detect and diagnose cancer.
It is estimated that more than 4000 Sunshine Coast residents are diagnosed with cancer every year and about 1270 lose their lives to the disease, making access to technology that will allow for earlier cancer detection vital to those living within the region.
Patient Sue Harrington said she was delighted to learn she could have her PET scan at Noosa.
“Transportation can be challenging for me and previously I had to travel to Birtinya for this service,” she said.
Noosa Radiology managing radiologist Dr Drew McMenamin said the capabilities of the PET/CT scan will deliver the best clinical services.
“The Biograph Vision 450 uses the latest digital technology in combination with artificial intelligence to enhance image quality, making it easier to detect small lesions on scans,” he said.
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“This allows our clinicians to identify cancer at the earliest possible stage and provide a more accurate and precise diagnosis compared with older analogue systems.
“In addition, this technology will reduce the time taken for a scan by a factor of four, meaning our clinicians are able to see more patients as well as reduce patient radiation exposure.
“While the 78cm bore size on this scanner will increase patients’ comfort and reduce patient anxiety.
“Access to the latest digital PET/CT technology will benefit cancer patients by providing earlier diagnosis and disease staging to better guide treatment.
“It is also used in dementia imaging and diagnosis.
“Most importantly, it will reduce travel times for patients in Noosa and surrounding regions.
“This continues our commitment to provide a complete range of radiology services for referrers and patients at one clinic, here in Noosa.”
The technology was manufactured and engineered by leading medical company Siemens Healthineers.
The new system delivers next-level image quality that transforms accurate decision making.
Siemens Healthineers ANZ business manager for molecular imaging/nuclear medicine Chris Sturla said the installation of the machine signified an important moment for the community.
“Technological innovation at Siemens Healthineers is intended to improve healthcare access and importantly, change healthcare outcomes,” he said.
“The Biograph Vision 450 is a great example of this innovation, which means local clinicians can scan faster, reduce radiation dose, and enhance patient comfort while confidently providing a precise diagnosis.
“We are proud to see our pioneering technology in the hands of leading clinicians like those at Noosa Radiology, as it is here, that we will see the realisation of life-changing patient care.”
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