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At SimonMed, we perform three general
noninvasive imaging services MRI scans, CT scans, and
ultrasound studies. We may do any or all of these procedures
during an examination, depending on what we need to look for
and what part of the body we’re looking at. Here’s a
quick overview of what’s involved with each procedure.
MRI Scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe,
radiation-free method of looking inside the body using
magnetism and radio waves. MRI produces images that are used
to distinguish normal, healthy tissue from abnormal tissue.
The technique can interfere with medical devices such as
cardiac pacemakers or brain aneurysm clips, so a pre-scan
questionnaire must be completed and reviewed.
During the scan, which usually takes only a
few minutes at SimonMed, patients lie on a comfortable
table. They can communicate with the technologist and listen
to music. IV contrast - a compound that helps visualize blood
flow and abnormal tissue - may be administered.
SimonMed uses the Siemens Sonata MRI, an
advanced scanner usually found only in the world’s largest
academic centers. The scanner’s powerful gradients, as
well as the uniformity of its magnetic field, make it
possible to analyze blood flow and the chemical makeup of
tissue. SimonMed also has multiple dedicated computer
workstations to process MRI data.
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CT Scans
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT)
uses a rotating x-ray tube to produce images of the body. CT
scans are recommended for certain body parts like the heart,
lungs, and sinus cavity, but since radiation is involved we
don’t use the procedure indiscriminately. For your safety,
we use advanced equipment and other radiation-reduction
protocols. Pacemakers and other medical devices inside the
body are not a problem for CT scanning.
During the scan, which may last only a few
seconds, patients lie on a comfortable table and move past
the x-ray tube. IV contrast, and in some cases an enema, may
be administered.
SimonMed employs the open and roomy Siemens
Sensation 16 CT scanner, which scans up to 32 times faster
than older models. This allows for quicker exams and the
ability to analyze the motion of moving organs like the
heart.
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Ultrasound Studies
Ultrasound produces images by sending sound
waves into the body, which bounce back to a device called a
transducer. Ultrasound studies should be performed by
trained ultrasonographers and reviewed by radiologists. At
SimonMed, we sometimes use ultrasound to correlate the
results of an MRI or CT Scan, especially during breast MRI
exams.
While ultrasound is a useful diagnostic
tool, it has some limitations. Sound waves don’t pass
easily through bone or gas, and can only travel very short
distances (this can pose a problem for some larger
patients). If an organ being scanned is covered by loops of
bowel containing gas, for example, then it will be difficult
to see. For this reason, many types of pelvic ultrasounds
are performed with a full bladder, which is a good conduit
for sound waves and pushes surrounding bowel loops out of
the way.
SimonMed uses the flagship ATL HDI 5000 from
Philips Medical Systems. This advanced machine employs
SonoCT imaging technology. SonoCT suppresses the inherent
artifacts found in conventional ultrasound, providing
remarkable image quality. This is particularly useful in
identifying subtle nodules in breast tissue, for example. top
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