May 26, 2010
Radiation Therapist Aimee Boyd, R.T.T. prepares Navy Veteran Raymond Williams for a diagnostic scan using the new Philips Wide Bore Computed Tomography Simulator at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center recently enhanced its radiation therapy program by introducing the Philips Wide Bore Computed Tomography (CT) Simulator. The latest investment in cancer-fighting equipment, this machine provides the most advanced imaging technology available today to assist in proper positioning and planning of radiation therapy treatments.
Replacing a single-slice CT simulator, this multi-slice CT provides four-dimensional simulation and image-guided radiation therapy planning. This machine has a large bore opening of almost three feet that maximizes patient comfort. It allows for accurate, reproducible patient set-up often reducing simulation time to less than 30 minutes.
"This advanced planning tool significantly improves the accuracy of radiation treatment and allows us to give an increased radiation dose to the tumor while reducing the radiation dose to surrounding normal tissue," says P. G. Shankar Giri M.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O, Radiotherapy Section chief. "We are proud to bring this new technology to our Veterans."
Using this new CT imaging technology for planning and delivering radiation, a person is positioned in exactly the same way for each daily treatment, aiding in precise focus of radiation to the affected area. Additionally the system enables three-dimensional visualization of tumors and surrounding tissue to provide the most accurate and efficient treatment.
Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat many types of cancers including that of the breast, prostate, lung, head, and neck.
"The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is proud to be known for providing our Veterans with the latest and most advanced medical technology," said Meena Vij, M.D., Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Line executive. "The Wide Bore CT Simulator is an exciting innovation which has the power to save lives."
# # #