Imaging
Computed Tomography scans (also known as CT or CAT scans) use special X-ray equipment to obtain information from different angles around the body. Computers are then used to process the information and create cross-sectional images that appear as “slices” of the body and organs.
CT Scan
Our Toshiba Aquilion 64 is an award-winning 64 slice CT scanner, delivering true isotropic imaging, 64 simultaneous 0.5mm slices per rotation, 0.35mm spatial resolution for small vessel and coronary artery detail, and exceptional low-contrast resolution. The Toshiba Aquilion 64 slice CT scanner features a 40% dose reduction compared to similar systems.
Special Features:
Advanced cardiac workflow software for imaging the heart
X-ray Imaging
Our Practice Offers State of the Art Digital X-Rays:
X-ray imaging (radiography) is still the most commonly used technique in radiology. To make a radiograph, a part of the body is exposed to a very small quantity of X-rays. The X-rays pass through the tissues, striking a film to create an image. X-rays are safe when properly used by radiologists and technicians specially trained to minimize exposure. No radiation remains after the radiograph is obtained. X-rays are used to image every part of the body and are used most commonly to look for fractures. They are also commonly used to examine the chest, abdomen, and superficial soft tissues. X-rays can identify many different conditions within the body, and they are often a fast and easy method for your doctor to make a diagnosis.
What Should I Expect?
X-rays are fast, easy, and painless. The part of your body to be examined will be properly positioned, and several different views of that part may be obtained. The technician will instruct you to hold still and in some cases hold your breath while the X-ray is being taken to eliminate blurring. X-ray exams generally take around 20 minutes, after which you will be able to return to normal activities. Should you have any questions regarding your X-Ray exam, we will be happy to discuss them with you.
Ultrasound Services
Our practice offers State of the Art Digital Ultrasound Services:
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. The high-frequency sound waves are concentrated into a thin beam and directed into the body with a transducer, which is a small hand-held wand that the technician uses to perform the examination. The sound waves reflect off internal structures, and the returning echoes are received by the transducer and then processed by a computer to produce real-time moving images. Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the abdominal and pelvic organs, breasts, thyroid gland, and testes, and well as blood flow in arteries and veins.
Our ultrasound services include General, Vascular, Echocardiogram and Stress Echocardiogram ultrasounds:
What Should I Expect During an Ultrasound?
You will be positioned on an exam table and a clear gel will be applied to your skin. The gel is used to eliminate air bubbles between the transducer and your body, since the sound waves travel very poorly through air. The transducer is pressed against the skin and moved back and forth to visualize the area of interest. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is thus a very safe imaging technique. It is also painless, though you may experience some discomfort from the pressure applied to the transducer, especially if you are required to have a full bladder for your exam. The examination usually takes from 15 to 30 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.
Vascular Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the body’s veins and arteries can help the radiologist to see and evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries. With knowledge about the arterial blood flow gained from an ultrasound image, the radiologist can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty. Ultrasound images may also be used to plan or review the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels-such as renal (relating to the kidney) artery bypass. Ultrasound of the veins may reveal blood clots that require treatment such as anticoagulant therapy (blood thinner) or filters to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs (embolism). Ultrasound of the vascular system also provides a fast, noninvasive means of identifying blockages of blood flow in the neck arteries to the brain that might produce a stroke or mini-stroke.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that uses a device, called a transducer, to send high-pitched sound waves through the body. Echoes are picked up by the transducer as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. Doctors use the images produced by an echocardiogram test to monitor how your heart and its valves are functioning. An echocardiogram is key in determining the health of the heart muscle. These images can help spot blood clots in the heart, fluid in the sac around the heart and problems with the aorta, which is the main artery connected to the heart.
Stress Echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is most often used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing in the coronary arteries.
What Should I Expect During A Stress Echocardiogram?
A resting echocardiogram will be done first. While you lie on your left side with your left arm out, a small device called a transducer is held against your chest. A special gel is used to help the ultrasound waves get to your heart.
You will walk on a treadmill. Slowly (about every 3 minutes), you will be asked to walk faster and on an incline. It is like being asked to walk fast or jog up a hill. In most cases, you will need to walk around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your level of fitness and your age. Your provider will ask you to stop:
* When your heart is beating at the target rate
* When you are too tired to continue
* If you are having chest pain or a change in your blood pressure that worries the provider administering the test
If you are not able to exercise, you will get a drug, such as dobutamine, through a vein (intravenous line). This medicine will make your heart beat faster and harder, similar to when you exercise. Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) will be monitored throughout the procedure. More echocardiogram images will be taken while your heart rate is increasing, or when it reaches its peak. The images will show whether any parts of the heart muscle do not work as well when your heart rate increases. This is a sign that part of the heart may not be getting enough blood or oxygen because of narrowed or blocked arteries.