www.europeanscanning.com

The European Scanning Centre on Harley Street is the UK market leader in electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), a faster and safer type of CT scanning.

The technology

EBCT produces exquisitely detailed 3D images of the body in seconds. The technique is very accurate and it is possible to find the earliest signs of disease, often many years before symptoms appear. This means that patients receive effective help immediately. EBCT is also a valuable tool for assessing the extent of disease that has already become established, allowing us to resolve existing problems so that patients can look forward to enjoying a healthy future.

As with conventional computed tomography (CT) scanning, x-rays are used to image very thin slices of the body. EBCT, however, uses an electron beam to produce a focused arc of x-rays that are generated from below the scanner couch and travel up through the body to detectors on the open scanner ring above. The images are then amalgamated by sophisticated software to produce incredibly detailed, static or moving, three dimensional pictures that can be viewed from any angle.

Benefits of EBCT over conventional CT

Compared to conventional CT scanners, the radiation dose to which patients are exposed is very markedly reduced due to the ultrafast scanning speed. EBCT records images in up to 1/20th of a second so that it is able to freeze the motion of the organs, especially the heart, to produce crisp, clear images in a single breath-hold. In addition, as we usually scan patients whilst lying on their back, vulnerable organs such as the breast, eyes and thyroid receive even less radiation.

EBCT Heart scan

We recommend a heart scan to patients who are at increased risk of heart disease, or who are experiencing non-specific symptoms. The simple ten minute scan requires no preparation and the patient remains fully clothed throughout. Calcium deposits within the coronary arteries are located and quantified to determine the ‘calcium score’. This is then used to calculate the patient’s individual risk of having a heart attack in the next ten years. The results give an accurate indication of whether simple lifestyle changes, medication or further investigation is required. It is the only technology approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for calcium scoring because of its accuracy and sensitivity.

Virtual angiography

Information can be gained about the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle or legs with electron beam angiography (EBA). A simple intravenous injection of contrast dye in the arm is required prior to scanning. There are no associated complications and patients are free to resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Virtual colonoscopy

With the increase in the number of deaths annually from colon cancer we offer the ultimate screening tool - virtual colonoscopy. Patients follow the usual bowel preparation but find this much less-invasive procedure easier to tolerate than conventional colonoscopy. Once the colon has been insufflated with carbon dioxide scanning takes around thirty minutes. No sedation is required and the carbon dioxide is absorbed and excreted by the body very quickly.

Ultrasound

A same-day state-of-the-art ultrasound service is available onsite. This complementary diagnostic tool is particularly suitable for imaging the prostate, renal tract, thyroid, leg veins for thrombosis, and carotid Doppler studies to determine stroke risk.
 

For more information about our services

Web: www.europeanscanning.com
Tel: 020 7436 5755
Email: info@europeanscanning.com.

 

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