Computed Tomography
Cross Sectional and 3-D Dimensional Images

Computed tomography is a specialized form of X-ray, resulting in cross-sectional computerized images and occasionally 3-Dimensional images of your head, heart, or body. CT is most often used today to evaluate problems in the sinuses, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. It is often used to assess bony problems in the spine or extremities, or for evaluation of certain types of hearing loss.

Templeton Imaging had the first 64 slice CT in San Luis Obispo County. We have both technologists and physicians who are highly specialized in CT imaging. Dr. Jim Cartland has completed a Cardiovascular CT Mini-Fellowship, meeting the Level II requirements for Cardiovascular CT in accordance with the AMA guidelines.

CT ANGIOGRAPHY (CTA)
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is the method for imaging the heart and other arteries  that combine innovative image processing with the use of our 64 slice multi-detector CT scanner. This allows for the rapid acquisition of large volumes of CT data during the peripheral intravenous contrast injection. A special computer workstation converts this data into 3-D images. This allows the radiologist to "virtually" see your arterial system.
CT angiograms substitute for more costly and invasive intra-arterial angiograms in specific applications including renal artery angiograms, carotid and cerebral angiography, mesenteric angiography and extremity runoffs.
CT angiography is lower cost, lower risk alternative to diagnostic angiography. In the clinical setting, CTA will significantly improve the care and management of large numbers of patients who undergo evaluation for vascular disease in the United States each year. 

How Does CT Work?

You will be asked to lie on a table, which will gradually move you within a circular shaped scanner.
The scanner takes specialized X-rays through your body that help generate high resolution  images that can be manipulated in a number of ways to give the doctor the most information possible to make a diagnosis.
In some cases, prior to the exam, an intravenous line may be started in your arm so that you can be given a non-ionic contrast or ‘dye’. This contrast can result in allergic or adverse reactions in the minority of cases. If the contrast will be required for your exam, you will be given a consent form to inform you about this procedure, and your technologist will also verify that you understand the injection procedure. Please inform us promptly if you have known allergies to iodine, kidney or cardiac problems, asthma, or known allergy to x-ray contrast. If so, you may be given a CT scan without contrast, or you may be a candidate for an alternative examination (MRI or Ultrasound). If you have any questions, feel free to ask technologist or the radiologist before your exam. In many cases, there is also an oral contrast that you will need to pick up and take before your procedure. Some examinations have diet restrictions. See your order sheet for instructions for specifics about your examination


Most exams will take 5 to 15 minutes, during which you may be given special breathing instructions by the technologist. The images will be processed by computers and then read by your TIMC Radiologist, who will promptly issue a complete report to your referring doctor. In many cases, your referring physician may also view the images on a personal computer in his or her office.