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Denver Imaging Center Addresses Colonoscopy Fear Factor (March 2002)

Gentle, non-invasive 20-minute new screening procedure will attract reluctant patients and save lives

DENVER - Colorado Heart and Body Imaging (http://www.coloradoheart.com), a Denver-based comprehensive preventive imaging center, has introduced a new diagnostic technology to the Rocky Mountain region. Utilizing the revolutionary Electron Beam Tomography scanner, the facility has unveiled "virtual" EBT colonoscopy, a gentle and non-invasive alternative to traditional examinations.

"We're addressing the fear and unpleasantness factors associated with traditional colonoscopies," says Dr. James Ehrlich, medical director and founder of CHBI. "Millions of Americans who should be screened for the nation's number 2 cancer killer are avoiding it, and that's tragic. Frankly, conventional colon exams are not widely accepted by the population and cannot routinely examine 100 percent of the colon surface."

Statistics show that even though colon cancer is about 90% curable when detected early, only about 25 percent of "at risk" Americans are actually getting any type of screening. Ehrlich and the leading radiologists and gastroenterologists associated with the facility anticipate the more attractive screening option will ultimately benefit thousands of Front Range residents who have been avoiding such examinations.

Ehrlich says the traditional test is an invasive procedure under sedation involving a harsh bowel preparation and the insertion of a 5-foot instrument with associated risks. It requires several hours at the facility, whereupon the patient must be driven home to fully recover. Although quite new, CT or virtual colonoscopy is much closer to achieving ideal screening test status - a lighter prep, no risks, a more comprehensive view of the colon and immediate return to normal activities.

Continuing its tradition of offering only "gold-standard" technology, Colorado Heart and Body Imaging chose the Viatronix V3D workstation (www.viatronix.com), the most advanced and accurate 3D rendering system ever developed for CT colon examination. The Viatronix program, developed by scientists and doctors from the State University of New York at Stony Brook allows an interactive "fly through" of the entire (100%) colon surface in both directions. Board certified radiologists review 2D and 3D images of the entire colon and create a detailed text and pictorial report for the patient and referring doctor.

"We are proud to be the first center in the world combining the top-rated Viatronix software with the low radiation, ultrafast Electron Beam Tomography scanner," declares Ehrlich. "Judging from our waiting list, I think this will be a very successful program."