7/8/2026
New technology expands access to sophisticated heart, breast and prostate imaging close to home
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — UPMC is expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging for Lawrence and Mercer counties with the addition of a cardiac CT scanner and a new wide-bore MRI at UPMC Jameson in New Castle., bringing new care capabilities and enhanced convenience to residents throughout the region. The nearly $7 million investment reflects UPMC's ongoing commitment to continuously evaluating and delivering on local community health care needs.
The new technology was celebrated during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hospital leaders, physicians, staff and community representatives.
"At UPMC, we continually evaluate the needs of the communities we serve and make strategic investments that expand access to those services people need most," said Dave Patton, president of UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon. "These new imaging technologies will help people get answers sooner, begin treatment faster and stay connected to the physicians and care teams they know and trust."
Cardiac CT Capability Enhances Heart Care Close to Home
The new CT scanner enables UPMC Jameson to offer cardiac CT services for the first time, adding a powerful new diagnostic tool for specialists at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Jameson.
CT (computed tomography) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a series of X-ray images and computer technology to create detailed pictures of organs, blood vessels and other structures inside the body. Cardiac CT imaging provides detailed, noninvasive images of the heart and coronary arteries, allowing physicians to directly visualize coronary artery disease and evaluate potential blockages without invasive procedures. Advanced imaging capabilities make it possible to capture exceptionally clear images of the moving heart, helping physicians assess patients more quickly and accurately.
The technology can play an important role in evaluating patients experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath and supports faster diagnosis and treatment planning. By providing detailed images of the coronary arteries, cardiac CT helps physicians determine the most appropriate next steps in a patient's care, from medication management to additional testing or intervention when needed.
"Cardiac CT gives us the ability to assess the coronary anatomy and identify all stages of coronary artery disease using a highly advanced, noninvasive imaging test," said Uzair Ashraf, M.D., cardiology, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Jameson. "Bringing this capability to UPMC Jameson means patients can receive sophisticated cardiac imaging locally while benefiting from the expertise of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute located in New Castle. Faster access to diagnostic information helps us make faster, more informed treatment decisions for our patients."
Previously, people requiring this level of advanced cardiac imaging had to travel outside the region for testing.
New Wide-Bore MRI Expands Breast and Prostate Imaging Services
UPMC Jameson's new wide-bore MRI improves both patient experience and diagnostic capabilities. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a highly detailed, non-invasive imaging scan that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. The MRI's larger opening creates a more comfortable environment for patients, while advanced technology enables faster imaging and increased efficiency. Shorter scan times can help improve patient comfort and enhance access to appointments.
The new system also expands specialized imaging services available locally, including advanced breast MRI and prostate MRI.
For people undergoing evaluation and treatment planning for prostate cancer, specialized prostate MRI plays an important role in identifying disease and supporting surgical planning. Previously, people had to travel to UPMC Hamot in Erie or UPMC Passavant in Pittsburgh’s North Hills to receive these advanced imaging services. The addition of breast and prostate MRI capabilities supports earlier detection, more precise diagnosis and more personalized treatment planning while allowing people to remain closer to family, support systems and their local care teams.
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Credit: UPMC
