editorial team
St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City today unveiled its latest premium 1,152-slice Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner from Siemens Healthineers. Known as SOMATOM Force Dual-Source Dual-Energy CT, it is the first of its kind in the country powered to address the clinical challenges of a conventional CT system.
When it comes to improving patient experience and enhancing precision in medicine, St. Luke’s Medical Center has always been at the forefront of excellent care for patients. Housing the finest and most innovative imaging technologies to date, its commitment and passion to bring forth optimum healthcare options has only been proven stronger.
“St. Luke’s is proud to introduce yet another marvel in the healthcare industry. As the first healthcare institution to bring the high-powered 1,152-slice CT Scanner from Siemens Healthineers in the country, we are redefining CT exams through gentler imaging procedures with highly-reliable results taken at unparalleled speed,” said Dr. Arturo S. De La Peña, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center. “Furthermore, SOMATOM Force sets the new standard in CT as it allows precise and individualized imaging for almost all patients regardless of body type or situation.”
“Not only is St. Luke’s Quezon City the first to have this technology in the Philippines, but the hospital also has one of the most advanced innovation strategies in terms of technology to ensure that its patients receive utmost care and have access to the best diagnostic tools to aid in the process. Siemens Healthineers is a proud partner of St. Luke’s Medical Center in advancing quality healthcare in the country,” added Mike Tan, President of Siemens Healthineers Philippines.
The new SOMATOM Force is packed with optimum imaging technologies including the breakthrough Dual-Source Dual-Energy solutions which allow the system to capture larger and clearer field of views of the body such as bones, blood vessel, soft tissues, and the like. Combined with the quantified 1,152-slice vast system built, it can help physicians achieve impressive results even if faced with extremely challenging situations. It is built with pioneering technologies benefiting both patients and physicians.
“From time to time, we are confronted with various clinical situations that call for advanced imaging that is already available in other countries. With the addition of SOMATOM Force in St. Luke’s Quezon City’s Institute of Radiology, we are now equipped to bring the country’s healthcare standards to a new level in the early detection and treatment of diseases,” shared Dr. Roy Vizcarra, Head of St. Luke’s Quezon City Institute of Radiology. “We can now scan a beating heart in a fraction of a second compared to other systems which in itself is a breakthrough in cardiac CT.”
“This means that patients do not have to hold their breath, or, even be sedated in order for us to capture sharp clinical images. Often times, motion in CT Scanning can cause blurring. But with this system, free breathing no longer impedes image quality even for patients with high heart rates. The use of beta blockers to slow down the patient’s heart rate is no longer routinary,” explained Dr. Vizcarra.
SOMATOM Force offers faster scanning at a much lower dose making it a safer option for patients. It also reduces the use of contrast media for kidney-friendly exams. Moreover, the system’s design accommodates the smallest to the tallest with personalized scanning adaptable to every patient need.
The machine is also pediatric friendly and safe as sedation is rendered optional – specifically for infants or toddlers as movement is no longer a challenge in achieving exceptional outcomes.
“SOMATOM Force is one of the superior CT systems in the dual-source field available currently in the market. Its sophisticated technology has been proven to offer accurate and reliable diagnostics with the comfort and safety of patients as priority. St. Luke’s Medical Center is expanding precision medicine as it continues to invest in world class technologies to address the clinical demands and challenges in the country today and in the future,” concluded Tan.
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