Jacksonville, Fla. — The cardioradiology and neuroradiology divisions at Shands Jacksonville now provide the latest technique to better diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Shands Jacksonville offers the city’s first advanced imaging scanner using 16 multi-slice computer tomography (CT) for optimized risk assessment, allowing for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
One of the major uses of this cutting-edge technology is as a screening test for determining if patients are at risk of coronary disease. The SENSATION 16 scanner, developed by SIEMENS, performs a computer-generated coronary angiogram that produces a 3-D image of the coronary arteries. Traditionally, this test required an invasive procedure of puncturing an artery and inserting a heart catheter. Not limited to cardiac purposes, the 16-slice CT scanner can also be used for preventive imaging in the early detection of lung and colon cancers.
In addition to utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, two highly-trained, world renowned physician specialists have joined the University of Florida Radiology Department at Shands Jacksonville providing the area’s most advanced treatments.
Bharat Mehta, MD, UF professor of radiology and chief of diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology, is among the nation’s leading neuroradiologists and is one of only 300 neuroradiology physicians in the world. His area of expertise includes pain management using image-guided therapy, endovascular neurosurgery and diagnostic neuroradiology. With 25 years experience, Mehta has designed and invented medical devices used to treat neurological disorders.
Norbert Wilke, MD, UF associate professor of radiology and cardiology and chief of cardiovascular MRI/CT, uses cardiac imaging to measure the success of new treatments in patients with cardiovascular disease and is among the few cardioradiology physicians trained in the nation. Wilke is in the process of establishing an international cardioradiology training program for physicians, technicians, residents and fellows around the world.