Technology Improves Efficiency and Diagnostic Capability  

Brooklyn, NY (January 2009) - Maimonides Medical Center recently unveiled its latest advancement in technology to improve the quality of patient care. A next-generation CT scanner has been installed in the Emergency Room at Maimonides, and is already having a significant impact. Maimonides is the only hospital in the metropolitan area to provide this advanced diagnostic tool in an ER setting, saving precious minutes in emergency situations. In addition to the value of time saved, the images provided by this system are more detailed than conventional CT scanners.

"Our experts in Radiology and Emergency Medicine determined that this technology is the finest available," said Pamela S. Brier, President and CEO of Maimonides Medical Center. "We're delighted to further enhance the care we provide the community in urgent situations."

The new CT Scanner in the ER at Maimonides provides the most advanced imaging for patients. Pictured with the scanner are (left to right) Dr. Steven Davidson, Chair of Emergency Medicine; Lillian Fraidkin, Senior VP & Chief of Staff; Pamela S. Brier, President & CEO; and Dr. Javier Beltran, Chair of Radiology at Maimonides.

The Siemens Definition CT scanner differs from other CT technology in that it houses two X-Ray sources (tubes) and two arrays of detectors in a single gantry. The two tubes and detectors are arranged perpendicular to each other and rotate around the patient in one-third of second, generating images of the body in less than half that time.

This state-of-the-art scanner provides superior diagnostic imaging studies, enabling ER physicians and staff at Maimonides to better manage the care of their critically ill patients. This advanced technology allows the imaging of structures such as the human heart and brain, at great speed and in fine detail. These capabilities are particularly useful in dealing with cardiac and stroke patients.

"Our volume is high and the acuity level of our patients is high," said Dr. Steven Davidson, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Maimonides. "This CT scanner gives our physicians an edge in rapid diagnosis during critical situations."

"This technology offers the most detailed images possible," explained Dr. Javier Beltran, Chair of Radiology at Maimonides. "Having it right here in the ER improves efficiency and quality for the patients who need it most."

A year ago, the Emergency Room at Maimonides Medical Center was increased in size by 45% in order to better accommodate the volume of patients being seen. Since that time, there has been a significant increase in that volume: there were approximately 100,000 patient visits to the Maimonides ER in 2008.