Permanent PET/CT technology unveiled at LMH Health
LMH Health will introduce a permanent on-campus Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner in July 2024. As the only permanent PET/CT scanner performing cardiac studies in the area outside the Kansas City metro, the GE Omni Legend will be available for use with oncology and cardiology patients referred by a provider. The public is welcome to attend a celebration and open house at the LMH Health Main Campus at 4:30 p.m. on July 18. RSVP at lmh.org/pet-public.
“PET scanning allows identification of metabolic disease rather than just anatomic pathology as seen on CT or MRI,” said Dr. Thomas Grillot, chair of the radiology department at LMH Health and radiologist with Radiologic Professional Services (RPS). “This information has important diagnostic implications in several fields, particularly oncology, cardiology, and neurology.”
Patients undergoing PET scans are injected with a radioactive medication (also known as a radiotracer) prior to the procedure. The radiotracer collects in cells that have a high metabolic rate, such as tumor cells. Accumulated radiotracer (or lack thereof) is detected by the scanner, pinpointing location of disease.
Benefits of this new technology at LMH Health include:
- Expanded patient access to a modern, cutting-edge imaging modality
- Improved patient throughput, ease of scheduling, and overall experience
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy and approach
- Streamlined imaging workflow and protocol efficiency
The new PET/CT scanner offers state-of-the-art features including improved image quality. In addition to benefits previously associated with PET technology, the LMH Health scanner brings Cardiac PET scans to its patients. Cardiac patients benefit from PET scans, as they help to evaluate the impact of heart damage after a cardiac event, like a heart attack, or to monitor the progression of heart disease.
“The level of accuracy and detail in heart images produced by a PET scan are just second to none,” said Dr. Christina Salazar, cardiologist with Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence. “Being able to have that level of specificity to determine the amount and extent of damage to heart muscle, areas of reduced blood flow, and whether we need to recommend surgery or other procedures/treatments is invaluable.”
The acquisition of the PET/CT scanner was made possible in part due to gifts from donors and corporate partners, including funds raised through the LMH Health Foundation’s biennial Hearts of Gold gala in April and upcoming Penny Jones Golf Tournament. Construction on the permanent space for the PET scanner began March 25 and will be completed in mid-July.
“Advances in patient-centered technology have transformed healthcare for many patients, right here at home,” said Rebecca Smith, executive director of the LMH Health Foundation and VP of strategy and communications at LMH Health. “We’re grateful for the support from our donors, partners and community that has made it possible for LMH Health to secure leading-edge, innovative equipment that results in more precise diagnosis, greater personalization for surgical implants, and ultimately improved treatments and greater healing.”
