In a significant stride towards modernizing healthcare in rural America, Door County Medical Center (DCMC) is proud to announce the arrival of the Canon Aquilion Serve SP CT scanner. This marks an important milestone as DCMC becomes a pioneer of advanced imaging innovations and state-of-the-art technology, further cementing DCMC's reputation as a leader in medical innovation and patient care.

Tonya Altmann, Diagnostic Imaging Manager at DCMC, expressed enthusiasm about the new technology, stating, "We take pride in providing exceptional care to our community and patients. To ensure this, we must provide our team with top-tier equipment and training. This scanner will enable our staff to consistently produce high-quality images while reducing the radiation dose for our patients. The technologists and leaders at DCMC were impressed by the scanner's enhancements to patient comfort and safety."

With the installation and full operation of the Canon Aquilion Serve SP CT Scanner set for May, DCMC is poised to transform rural healthcare delivery. It signals an era where advanced technology and compassionate care go hand-in-hand, ensuring that the community has access to premier medical services, close to home.

Advanced Technology at the Heart of Community Healthcare

As a critical access hospital, DCMC is dedicated to providing the same level of care as larger urban facilities. The Aquilion Serve SP system, a new Canon CT scanner that was unveiled in November 2023, represents a significant advancement in diagnostic imaging technology and AI-assisted workflow. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), the scanner boosts image quality, streamlines workflow, and importantly, reduces radiation exposure.

Aquilion Serve SP Enhancements & Features:

• AI Integration:

  • The Aquilion Serve SP integrates Deep Learning technology to improve imaging quality, utilizing advanced algorithms to reduce image noise and deliver sharp, clear and distinct image results. Improved high resolution image quality with low radiation exposures tailored to individual patients can reduce the need for repeat studies.

  • Canon ensures that its CT scanners are user-friendly and accessible for healthcare professionals of varied skill levels through the INSTINX AI-Assisted Total Workflow Experience. INSTINX workflow automation simplifies the scanning process with features designed for easy and safe patient positioning, quick scan planning, and consistent performance across different operators. With features such as touchscreen tablets, integrated patient-positioning cameras, and AI-assisted automatic scan planning with 3D Landmark Scan and Anatomical Landmark Detection, technologists can set up and adjust scans swiftly and consistently, ensuring a smooth and efficient patient experience. This system reduces workflow steps by 40 percent and provides easy-to-learn operations, ready for clinical use from day one.

• Improved Comfort and Safety: Designed to accommodate patients up to 694 lbs, the Aquilion Serve SP boasts a larger gantry opening and lateral table movement. These features not only enhance patient comfort but also simplify positioning, especially for those with mobility issues. The scanner's low table height also improves accessibility for pediatric patients.

• Radiation Dose Reduction: Canon's industry-leading technology includes automated dose reduction capabilities, which are crucial for patient safety, reducing radiation exposure without compromising image quality.

A Fruitful Partnership

"At DCMC, we make intentional decisions and take actions to benefit our patients, community, and each other," said Altmann. "When Canon asked us to partner with them and install the Aquilion Serve SP, we knew the opportunity would benefit our hospital and our community."

Canon's decision to partner with DCMC was driven by shared values of innovation, excellence, and community-focused healthcare; located in a rural setting, DCMC provides a unique opportunity for Canon to demonstrate that cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance healthcare delivery in any environment.

Further, this collaboration transforms DCMC into a center of innovative imaging, supporting the community in enhancing accessibility to high-resolution CT scans and improving both patient care and healthcare professionals' experiences. It also attracts attention and boosts our local economy by showcasing the innovative imaging technology in action.

"At Canon Medical, we never lose sight of the impact our technologies have on patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations," shared Dena C. Holley, BS, R.T. (R) (CT), Manager of Strategic Development for Canon. "We focus on meaningful innovation that improves patient outcomes and remain adaptable to provide tailored solutions and comprehensive support."

A Commitment to Community Well-Being

At DCMC, technology isn't just about equipment; it's woven into our mission to deliver compassionate, quality care that inspires a healthy community.

"Looking forward, this installation signifies more than just a technological upgrade; it's a cornerstone of our efforts to enhance community health outcomes," emphasizes DCMC CEO Brian Stephens. "Our commitment to fostering genuine personal connections with our patients remains unwavering. This commitment is evident in how our medical staff engages with patients, offering empathetic support, clear communication, and personalized attention every step of the way. This partnership with Canon empowers our staff to uphold their expertise in medical proficiency and deliver exceptional care for all."

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Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on how this groundbreaking technology is making a difference in our community and setting new standards in healthcare excellence.