Valley Hospital now using rare CT scanner in neurosurgery

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: The Valley Hospital is now using its unique state-of-the-art portable CT scanner in the operating room during neurosurgery. Valley was the first in the state, and remains the only hospital in North Jersey, to have the technology.

Radiology techs and an ICU nurse ready a patient for a head CT scan using the CereTom.

(Photo courtesy THE VALLEY HOSPITAL)

At first, the "CereTom" was used at the bedsides of critically ill patients in the intensive care units -- a huge benefit by minimizing the risk of having to shuttle them between their hospital room and radiology department. Now it's also available for neurosurgery in the ER.

Operated by battery power and using wireless technology, the scanner generates the same high-quality images of the head and neck as conventional scanners. The beauty of the machine -- the result of a generous gift from local philanthropist David F. Bolger -- is in its portability.

“The ability to perform portable head and neck CT scans of high quality in our intensive care units will dramatically improve both the efficiency and the safety of the care we provide to our critically ill patients,” said Valley Director of Diagnostic Imaging Rebecca Lamberth. “The scanner is optimal for the intensive care unit because it allows doctors to acquire images they need on their patients while they remain in bed, significantly increasing the quality of care we can provide.”

Dr. Eric M. Bailey, CEO and co-founder of NeuroLogica, designer of the CereTom, is particularly proud that Valley Hospital uses the technology.

"[My] wife, a New Jersey native, has friends and family in the Valley system," Bailey said. "I am excited to have our technology available to them and others in the misfortunate event of a neurological emergency. I salute Valley for their progressive nature and I am honored that they have chosen the CereTom to be a part of their healthcare system.”