The Omni Legend 21 cmis a performance-oriented configuration of the Omni Legend PET/CT platform designed to help enable shorter scan times and lower doses without compromising image quality in oncology; support for increasing PET amyloid imaging in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment follow-up in neurology; and exceptional cardiac diagnostics, accommodating a range of tracers – including fast decay and emerging tracers – in cardiology.

“It’s not an overstatement to say that GE HealthCare’s PET/CT Omni Legend with a 21-centimeter detector field of view is more than just an acquisition – it’s a game-changing step forward in bringing advanced imaging technology to our patients,” said John Mungovan, MD, Chair of Radiology Imaging Services at Southcoast Health. “This unit enables faster scan times so we can see more patients each day and allows Southcoast Health clinicians to detect cancers earlier in their progression, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.”

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to identify cancer, heart disease and brain conditions. The improved design of this unit gives Southcoast Health doctors and specialists exceptional tools to diagnose and treat patients and enables earlier interventions. This first-of-its kind in the U.S., digital PET/CT system delivers on precision medicine by enhancing both efficiency and diagnosis.

“I’ve often talked about how one of our priorities for growth is investing in technology for the benefit of our patients, and the acquisition of the Omni Legend 21cm PET/CT system delivers on that promise in a big way. I’m extremely proud that Southcoast Health is the first healthcare organization in the nation to offer this iteration of the advanced unit to patients,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “There’s no doubt this investment keeps us at the forefront of medical innovation, reinforcing Southcoast Health’s role as a leader in high-quality, patient-centered care.”

Looking ahead, the unit can have significant impact beyond cancer care at Southcoast Health. Later this spring, it will additionally be used for neurological PET/CT scans to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, and within the year there are plans to launch a cardiac PET/CT program. This program can help to enable cardiac patients to get advanced scans without having traveling to Boston or Providence and further demonstrates how Southcoast Health continues to lead the way providing expert clinical care in the community health setting.

“We are excited to support Southcoast Health in their effort to advance oncology, cardiology, and neurology capabilities in the communities they service utilizing this advanced PET/CT system,” said Shane Penzone, Market Vice President of New England for GE HealthCare. “The ability for health providers like Southcoast Health to empower their clinicians and serve their patients with technology that can shorten scan times leading to faster care and increase diagnostic accuracy is a big win for New England and the state of Massachusetts.”

Bringing this sophisticated unit to Southcoast Health required careful planning and collaboration from teams across the system. The imaging operations team, led by Debra A. Desmarais and Lynn Thompson, completed diligent research to make sure this model would best fit the needs of our patients and community.

“Here on the South Coast, we are grateful to have such a strong healthcare partner in Southcoast Health, and we are fortunate to have access to this groundbreaking technology, which rivals many academic medical centers in larger cities. When dealing with cancer, we all know that prevention is important, but early detection and treatment are key and this advancement will help many patients identify the disease earlier when it is most treatable,” said Massachusetts State Representative Mark Sylvia.

The new space consists of a comprehensive 4-room imaging suite thoughtfully designed with the patients’ and imaging team’s needs in mind. It is divided into a patient preparation room, quiet areas to relax before the scan and the imaging area where the unit is located. 

“What we’re celebrating really comes down to how much Southcoast cares for its patients and the community we serve. Bringing this advanced technology to our community health system reinforces our commitment to improving the patient experience, which is especially important for a person dealing with a cancer diagnosis,” said Donald Giumetti, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Southcoast Health System. “This investment ensures our community continues to have direct access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology when they need it most.”

For more information on advanced radiology services at Southcoast Health, visit Advanced Radiology Imaging |Southcoast Health.