The economic and clinical benefits of portable head/neck CT imaging in the intensive care unit.

* There is a 13% morbidity associated with transporting critically-ill patients outside of the ICU. The incidence of adverse events during transport specifically for CT imaging is as high as 71%. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a portable CT scanner designated to perform bedside imaging in the ICU. * A fully mobile 8-slice head/neck CT scanner was evaluated for efficiency and personnel allocation. The return-on-investment for the purchase of the portable scanner was calculated. * Data demonstrates that the introduction of a portable CT scanner in the ICU is feasible and cost-effective. At the Cleveland Clinic in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, the portable scanner provided a full return-on-investment within the first 6.9 months of its operation, an internal rate of return of 169%, and a 5 year expected economic benefit of $2,619,290.