Montfort unveils its Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
Advanced technology serving the region
Ottawa, Thursday, November 2, 2017 – The region’s population will now have access to the latest technology for obtaining a timely and reliable cardiac diagnosis without discomfort, thanks to the new CT scanner with a Specialized Cardiac Module at the Montfort.
This new piece of equipment was unveiled in the presence of a grateful patient along with doctors and healthcare professionals.
The new scanner has already changed one life
The new scanner has already changed Mr. Kevin Ciesielski’s life. This 45-year-old Ottawa resident appeared to be in good shape, but presented atypical symptoms—shortness of breath and chest pain. After a battery of tests which proved to be inconclusive, he was referred to Montfort in early October 2017 and was one of the first patients to undergo a CT Scan.
In just a few seconds, the images captured by the CT scanner and transmitted to the cardiac module showed significant blockages of Mr. Ciesielski’s coronary arteries. He was immediately transferred to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to undergo a triple bypass surgery. Mr. Ciesielski’s is now recovering well thanks to a timely intervention that saved his life.
The new scanner is now accessible to the community, and Montfort is working in collaboration with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Beyond cardiac diagnosis, the device will also be used to diagnose patients with pulmonary problems, or possible fractures, among other things.
Deployment of this 2.5-million CT Scanner in progress
The CT Scanner has been in use for the past several weeks, and is currently functioning at three-quarters of its capacity; as procedures are finalized and the demand increases, new capabilities will become available and more hours will be added.
Montfort was able to acquire the CT Scanner with a Specialized Cardiac Module thanks to the Montfort Hospital Foundation’s $2.5-million Fundraising Campaign. The For You, Sweet Heart Fundraising Campaign is at 73% of its objective, and there is still time to donate. The funds raised will enable all of the CT Scanner’s capabilities to be deployed so that it may be used to its full capacity. A donor recognition event will be held at the beginning of the new year.
The latest in cutting-edge technology
Toshiba’s Aquilion Vision scanner generates clear, detailed images of vital organs by rotating around a stationary table in 0.275 seconds, taking 320 simultaneous image slices.
By obtaining the most direct imaging of the heart’s anatomy, the new CT Scanner can analyze the functioning of the arteries in a single heartbeat, enabling quick diagnosis of various conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.
This simple, quick, highly precise and non-invasive examination is more comfortable for the patient and allows most serious cardiac diseases and disorders as well as pulmonary embolisms to be detected.
And because this new scanner emits less radiation, it is all the more valuable as a diagnostic tool.
About Montfort
Montfort is Ontario’s Francophone Academic Hospital, offering exemplary person-centred care. Affiliated to the University of Ottawa, the hospital serves over 1.2 million people in Eastern Ontario, in both official languages. Thanks to its partnership with the Institut du Savoir Montfort, a knowledge institute, Montfort has joined the ranks of Canada’s top 40 research hospitals. The daily actions of the Montfort team are guided by compassion, respect, mutual support, excellence and accountability.
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Information and interviews requests:
Communications Department
Hôpital Montfort
613-746-4621, extension 2049
communications@montfort.on.ca