As part of its commitment to provide the best and most accessible medical imaging services available, Schroeder Ambulatory Centre has procured a CurveBeam AI HiRise—a state-of-the-art standing (weight bearing) CT scanner specifically designed to support orthopedic diagnostics while providing maximum patient comfort.
One of two CT scanners at the Centre, the CurveBeam AI HiRise is an advanced weight-bearing cone beam CT imaging system designed for comprehensive 3D imaging of the lower extremities, including the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. It offers high-resolution images while the patient is in a natural standing position, which is crucial for accurate alignment assessments.
The HiRise helps orthopedic surgeons and radiologists assess bones & joints in their functional position in three dimensions. Weight Bearing CT imaging can assist with more accurate diagnosis of orthopedic ailments, as well as provide better inputs for pre-surgical planning & post-operative assessment.
Detailed specifications:
- Weight Bearing Cone Beam CT. Volume acquisition 20 cm height x 40 cm diameter. Resolution: 0.3 mm voxel size.
- Bore Size: 50 cm
A Comfortable Scan Experience
- Ground level, 20 in. / 50 cm. wide opening for easy patient entry & exit.
- Wide, 15.7 in / 40 cm dia platform allows patient to stand in natural, functional position during scan. Supports patients weighing up to 450 lbs. / 204 kg.
Lower Extremity Imaging
- Scan the entire lower extremities, including hips and pelvis, in functional position. Gantry raises 47 in / 1.19 m.
- Automatic stacking of multiple joints with true spatial correlation. No stitching required for bilateral views.
Upper Extremity Imaging
- Gantry translates 90 degrees for distal upper extremity imaging. Patient sits comfortably during scan. Transition to upper extremity mode takes less than 2 minutes.
Non Weight Bearing Imaging
- Chair accessory allows for supine scanning of the knees and feet. Chair lowers for easy patient mounting and positioning. Chair can be stowed in compact space when not in use.
Expanding diagnostic imaging to strengthen public health and improve patient access
Alongside a Siemens Naeotom Alpha (2025) CT scanner, and two cutting edge MRIs, Schroeder Ambulatory is setting up to be able to add significant medical imaging capacity to public health, reducing wait times for crucial and timely diagnosis that can lead to improved quality of life for patients suffering from a wide range of pain and mobility-related conditions.
The Centre has applied for licensing under the ICHSC Act to provide MRI and CT scans, as well as GI endoscopy, and is currently developing partnerships with public hospitals to share access to its advanced medical equipment and infrastructure. In this way, the Centre would act as a fully integrated public heath resource, and would make access to diagnostic imaging more efficient and convenient while supporting public health capacity and reducing strain on the system.
If successful in attaining licensing, Schroeder Ambulatory Centre plans to begin offering diagnostic imaging services in late 2025.