Tampa General Hospital Revolutionizes Heart Care with Advanced CT Technology

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has taken a significant step forward in its cardiovascular care by introducing two cutting-edge GE Healthcare Revolution APEX 512-Slice computed tomography (CT) scanners. This marks a leap in heart care technology, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to provide faster, clearer, and more precise imaging. This advancement is set to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, allowing healthcare professionals to make more accurate assessments and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The acquisition of these advanced scanners was made possible thanks to the generous donation from the Ferman family to the TGH Foundation. One scanner is located at the TGH Ferman Family Imaging Center, situated on the Davis Islands campus, while the other is designated for inpatient examinations within the hospital itself, ensuring comprehensive imaging capabilities.

Dr. Shone Almeida, the director of the Cardiac CT program at TGH, expressed his enthusiasm about this technology, describing it as a game-changer for cardiac imaging. With enhanced image quality and reduced scan times, medical professionals can diagnose heart conditions with increased confidence, facilitating better treatment decisions for patients.

The 512-slice CT scanner plays a crucial role in the TGH Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention Program, a proactive initiative focused on early detection, risk assessment, and tailored interventions to combat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity-related heart issues. "By integrating this state-of-the-art technology, we're able to identify potential heart disease indicators even before symptoms manifest," said Dr. Almeida, who also leads the cardiometabolic program.

This milestone in cardiac imaging reflects a collaborative effort among the TGH Heart and Vascular Institute and the hospital's radiologists. The scanners are equipped with state-of-the-art features, such as deep learning-based image reconstruction and ultra-high-resolution imaging, which significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities. Sherri Lewman, the senior vice president of Enterprise Imaging at TGH, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it underscores the hospital's commitment to improving diagnostic technology for patients.

Designed to enhance accuracy and speed, the CT scanners provide exceptional clarity in assessing coronary artery disease, structural heart conditions, and other cardiovascular abnormalities. Dr. Aarti Patel, co-director of the TGH Heart and Vascular Institute's Cardiovascular Imaging program, highlighted the significance of these scanners in accurately identifying complex conditions, thereby allowing for the development of personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient's specific needs.

Dr. Hristina Natcheva, also a co-director of the institute's Cardiovascular Imaging program, noted that the scanners dramatically increase diagnostic accuracy by generating high-definition images that facilitate precise interpretations. This advanced imaging capability is essential for conducting thorough diagnostic exams, enhancing the medical team's ability to detect cardiovascular diseases with greater precision.

One of the standout features of the Revolution APEX CT scanner is its ability to leverage advanced AI for superior image quality and rapid scanning with motion correction. This precision is invaluable for both complex cardiac cases and routine examinations. Additionally, its ultra-high resolution is ideal for visualizing cerebral blood vessels and musculoskeletal structures in detail. By capturing larger anatomical areas in a single rotation, the system reduces the need for multiple scans, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Faster scan times and dose-reduction technologies further enhance the overall patient experience, ensuring a safer and more comfortable procedure. The installation of these innovative imaging units is part of Tampa General's larger commitment to embracing technological advancements and excellence in patient care.

The TGH Ferman Family Imaging Center serves as a pivotal hub for diagnostic imaging within the hospital. For more information about the program and services, you can reach out at (813) 844-8288. Similarly, inquiries regarding the Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention Program can be directed to (813) 844-3900 or via email at [email protected]

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed not-for-profit academic health system, stands as one of the largest hospitals in America, recognized for its exceptional care. It is the only facility in the region providing Level I trauma and comprehensive burn care. As noted in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals rankings, Tampa General excels with two specialties in the top 20 nationwide and eight in the top 50. The hospital prioritizes equity in healthcare, ensuring that all patients receive care regardless of their financial situation. In fiscal 2023, it provided a net community benefit of approximately $301.8 million, supporting underinsured patients and local health organizations. For further information about its services or initiatives, visit www.tgh.org.