North Shore Health (NSH) announces exciting new capabilities in their Imaging Department with the new VITREA 3-D System recreations for computed Tomography (CT).

The VITREA system takes a CT scan and creates a 3-dimensional picture of the selected area of interest. It uses software to systematically remove overlying anatomy leaving only the desired structures. It also allows the image to be rotated in any direction for better visualization. The removed anatomy can be re-added as needed to see how the tissues align with each other. This noninvasive visualization of anatomy was previously not possible with standard x-rays or scans.

Examples of its use: Removing the ribs and lungs to see only the heart. Removing all the tissue from around a knee or hip leaving only the bone and joint.

It can be used in pre-surgical planning to get a clear picture of anatomy, to help identify a surgical approach or spot potential problems. It has the potential to decrease the need for exploratory surgery as the anatomy can be viewed electronically instead of surgically.

North Shore Health looks forward to receiving provider input on which exams and situations VITREA reconstructions may be helpful for them, and as a result, beneficial for the care of our community.

About North Shore Health:

North Shore Health is a rural health facility located on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, MN. The organization, which is part of the Cook County Hospital District includes a 16-bed critical access hospital, a 37-bed skilled nursing facility, a home health agency, an ambulance service and a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Their mission is “Community Access to Compassionate Care”.