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Truman Medical Centers Becomes One of the First Hospitals in the U.S. To Install the World's First Adaptive 128-slice CT Scanner

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Truman Medical Centers (TMC) became one of the first hospitals inthe United States to install the Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS 128 slice CT scanner this week. The 128-slice CT scanner is a highly adaptive scanner, providing exceptional image quality with minimal radiation exposure to the patient.

"To be one of the first medical facilities in the country to have this, truly, first of its kind, state-of-the-art technology cements TMC's commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients with the best medical technology available," said TMC President/CEO John W. Bluford.

The Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS 128 slice CT scanner was recently approved by the FDA and released from the Siemens Corporation. The scanner has been developed with all the latest technological advances in the world of Computed Tomography. Some of these advances include the Adaptive Dose Shielding technology which eliminates unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient through the pre and post scan range. This means that the only radiation dose the patient is exposed to will be for clinically relevant imaging.

"TMC patients can be assured that with this state-of-the-art technology they will be provided with the safest and fastest CT imaging available, ensuring exceptional care," said Dr. Lawrence Ricci, TMC Chairman of Radiology.

The AS 128 will also allow the performance of perfusion imaging of the entire brain which will demonstrate blood flow throughout the organ over a short period of time. Other angiographic techniques will be able to be used for assessment of vascular pathways throughout the body, including the coronary arteries. With speed of the scanner being faster than the average human heartbeat it will be able to accurately visual the heart vessels allowing for a safer, more precise scan.

The relatively compact design of the system and small foot print allows for installation in smaller areas. The Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS 128 slice CT scanner is installed in the TMC Hospital Hill Emergency Department just steps away from trauma rooms. The availability of accurate and rapid scanning of trauma patients makes its placement in the emergency department ideal for managing the needs of critically ill patients without having to move them from floor to floor for radiological imaging.

"With the speed, the small footprint of its design and the adaptive technology available this CT scanner will provide the most ideal imaging capabilities to deliver a rapid diagnosis and improve overall quality and efficiency of patient care," said Dr. Mark Steele, TMC Chief Medical Officer.

TMC expects to begin accepting patients and physician referrals for the SOMATOM Definition AS 128 slice CT Scanner as early as September 1.

About TMC

Truman Medical Centers is a not-for-profit two acute-care hospital health system inKansas City. The TMC Health System includes TMC Hospital Hill, TMC Lakewood, TMC Behavioral Health, the Jackson County Health Department and a number of primary care practices throughoutEastern Jackson County. Recently named one of the nation's top academic medical centers, TMC is the primary teaching hospital for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Schools of Health Sciences and specializes in asthma, bariatrics, diabetes, women's health, and trauma services. For more information, please call (816) 404-3785 or visit www.trumed.org .

For More Information, contact:

Shane Kovac, Media Relations Manager, (816) 404-3786

SOURCE Truman Medical Centers

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