Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi Acquires Latest Diagnostic and Surgical Technology

May 2005

A new advanced computer tomography (CT) scanner at Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi will allow doctors to more effectively detect and treat a range of life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer and lung disease.

The new 40-slice CT scanner is Hawaii's first unit and was installed in April. It offers the most advanced CT imaging technology available today and can produce split-second, high-quality images permitting doctors to see more anatomical detail in a fraction of the time needed for other tests. The technology is two to 10 times faster than other CT scanners. Forty images can be acquired in 0.4 seconds, reducing what used to take minutes down to seconds. CT angiography (pictures of blood vessels) can be done very easily and comfortably in less than a minute.

"Older patients and those with breathing difficulties or some other distress will really appreciate the shorter exams," said Dr. Gordon Ng, Medical Director, Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi Diagnostic Imaging.

First 40-Slice CT Scanner in Hawaii

The purchase of the scanner represents a significant investment for the hospital.

"We can use the extensive image information we get from the new scanner to generate very detailed 3D images," Dr. Ng said. "The possibility of discovering diseases at an early stage, when a wider array of effective treatment options may be available, will help doctors make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for patients."

The unmatched speed and detail of the new CT scanner will also aid in decision-making in emergency cases where physicians have to make critical decisions quickly. The new scanner has a table weight capacity of up to 440 pounds.

Leeward Oahu's first fully integrated minimally invasive surgical suite

Pali Momi also opened Leeward Oahu's first fully integrated minimally invasive operating suite this month, which brings the latest advances in surgical treatment to the community. In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions as opposed to one larger incision, which reduces trauma to the body and therefore involves less pain and faster patient recovery.

"We're seeing increased demand for services from area residents, said Jen Chahanovich, chief operating officer at Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi. "They want services provided where it's convenient for them. It's our mission to provide a high level of service for Leeward families and it's a commitment we take seriously."

While Pali Momi has been performing minimally invasive and other major medical procedures for several years, the specially equipped suite provides new state-of-the-art technology, which translates to enhanced patient care.

The specialized suite is equipped with touch screen control panels at the nurses' station, which can control everything in the room. If surgeons prefer, they can control all devices though a sophisticated voice activation system. The suite also has the ability to transmit live video feeds to other medical centers to connect Hawaii surgeons with specialists from around the world, including its own pathologist in the hospital's laboratory. This real-time connection with the laboratory facilitates prompt diagnosis and decisions during surgical procedures. The efficiencies realized through this advanced technology means patients are under anesthesia for a shorter time.