About Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Our offer includes a state-of-the-art CT device that is optimized for detailed imaging of the necessary segments. We are proud to say that this is the first installation of this state-of-the-art CT device in Central Eastern Europe (CEE region).

What part of the body do you need to scan?

In our hospital, we possess a high-quality CT scanner that enables imaging of nearly all parts of the body with exceptional precision and detail. This device is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring patients' health conditions, providing our medical team with comprehensive information necessary for proper treatment and patient care. Among other services, available in our hospital are:

• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
• CT angiography
• CT angiography of the entire aorta
• CT of the head
• CT coronary angiography and coronary artery calcium score
• CT of the spine
• CT scan of the chest
• CT urography
• CT scan of bones and joints

What is computerized tomography actually?

Computed tomography (CT) is a radiological diagnostic technique that uses X-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of internal body structures. This imaging method provides physicians with insights into internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues, aiding in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and surgical planning.

The principle of CT operation is based on detecting X-rays passing through the patient's body. A device with rotating X-ray tubes and detectors records the amount of radiation passing through various parts of the body. The computer system then processes this data and generates a series of cross-sectional images of the studied body area.

One of the key advantages of CT is its high spatial resolution, allowing physicians to accurately visualize structures and tissue changes. Additionally, CT is highly useful in emergency situations, such as traumatic injuries, as it enables rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Despite its numerous advantages, CT scanning involves exposing patients to X-ray radiation, so it is applied with caution, especially in pregnant women and children. Physicians carefully assess the risk and benefit before recommending a CT scan, always prioritizing patient well-being. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that for any CT scan, you must have a valid recommendation from a specialist physician.

It is important to note that newer CT imaging technologies reduce patient exposure to X-rays, making the procedure safe and reliable.

Unique Technology

Dual Source CT technology has been evolving for over 15 years. The goal is to transform the CT image of the heart by freezing rapidly moving structures of the heart and blood vessels.

In recent years, there has been increased interest worldwide in the application of CT in combating cardiovascular heart diseases. This interest can partially be attributed to the decision of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to recommend CT coronary angiography (CCTA) as the primary and largest non-invasive test for evaluating patients with stable and acute chest pain who have no history of coronary artery disease.

In general, an increasing number of patients with various clinical conditions require high-quality CT images with minimal radiation dose.

Today, most patients do not receive high-quality CT images for final diagnostic assessment, which is why our mission is to make this unique technology available to all our patients with the new member of the SOMATOM family - Pro. Pulse CT.

SOMATOM Pro.Pulse with Dual Source technology provides exceptionally fast temporal resolution and short scan times required to reduce motion artifacts, limiting image disturbances caused by breathing or heart motion. The use of special tin filters maintains an extremely low radiation dose while preserving high image quality.

CT device available in St. Catherine Hospital is unique in Croatia because it has the option of using the DE virtual Non Contrast function which reduces the radiation dose by an additional 50 % per examination. This saving of the dose received by the patient is primarily very pronounced in the examination of the lungs, abdomen and pelvis, where the so-called multiphase imaging protocol.

The scanner combines the power and speed of CT technology with two sources - two X-ray tubes and two detectors in parallel, and with built-in artificial intelligence optimizes scanning parameters based on patient data for a specific scanning protocol.

This innovative user interface, myExam Companion, powered by artificial intelligence, combines patient data (including gender, height, and age) and collects scanning-relevant data such as heart rate or breath-holding capabilities to adapt the scanning protocol specific to the patient. Additionally, reliable technological solutions such as FLASH, ZeeFree, and Dual Energy technology, along with continuous staff education, complement medical care and advanced diagnostics for our patients.

Compared to the highest class of devices with only one tube, SOMATOM Pro.Pulse CT technology with two tubes achieves double the speed and better temporal resolution, thereby providing the necessary power, speed, and precision to address the most challenging patients – without the need for beta-blockers in patients with high and irregular heart rates.

Furthermore, Pro. Pulse CT boasts excellent spatial resolution of just 330 microns, tube rotation speed of 0.3 seconds and a 256-channel system with the aid of IVR reconstruction. All of these set new standards in the fields of cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, and oncology.

   Taken from the Siemens Healthineers

   Taken from the Siemens Healthineers

Is CT scanning safe?

CT scanning has become an indispensable diagnostic tool in modern medicine. However, questions about the safety of this type of examination, particularly regarding exposure to ionizing radiation that CT devices use to create images, are often raised.

At our Hospital, patient safety is our top priority. We are aware of the sensitivity and importance of each individual test, and that is why we are especially dedicated to ensuring the highest standards in the safety of medical procedures.

One of the key components of our commitment to safety is our SOMATOM Siemens Healthineers - Pro.Pulse CT device. We are proud of the fact that this particular device is one of the safest available on the market. Reducing the radiation dose that each patient receives during a CT scan is one of the key elements of our technology.

The new technology not only enables detailed and precise images, but at the same time minimizes the patient's exposure to X-ray radiation. This reduction in radiation dose does not compromise the quality of the image or the reliability of the diagnosis; on the contrary, it allows us to provide the best possible care with minimal risk to the patient.

Nevertheless, it is important to consider individual risk and benefit factors for each patient. Physicians will carefully assess the need for a CT scan in each individual case, taking into account clinical symptoms, medical history, and other relevant information.

Special attention should be paid to pregnant women, as fetuses may be more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation, and in most non-urgent situations, CT scanning is contraindicated. In such situations, physicians will carefully consider the need for a CT scan and possible alternatives, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound, which do not use ionizing radiation.

If you have any doubts or questions, we recommend consulting with a physician to clarify any uncertainties and ensure the best care for your health. In most cases, with proper application and supervision, CT scanning is considered a safe and valuable diagnostic method.