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Angiography/Interventional
Radiology
Often referred to as minimally invasive radiology, these procedures
involve inserting thin tubes (catheters) and other tiny instruments
through the blood vessels and other pathways of the body to diagnose
and treat a wide variety of conditions that once required surgery
in the past. These procedures involve the injection of contrast
media (x-ray dye) which is later cleared from the body by the kidneys.
Many of these procedures can be done on an outpatient basis with
a minimal recovery time in hospital.
Bone
Densitometry
Measurements of bone density are made using a dual energy x-ray
beam. These measurements are compared with a reference population
to diagnose such conditions as osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Computed Tomography
(CT)
Sometimes referred to as a CAT scan, CT uses special x-ray equipment
to obtain images that appear as cross-sectional (slices) images
of body tissues and organs. CT demonstrates lungs, bone, soft tissue
such as the brain with greater detail than can be seen on conventional
x-rays. These procedures may involve the injection of contrast media
(x-ray dye) which is later cleared from the body by the kidneys.
Lithotripsy
High-pressure energy waves are used to 'shock' and break up kidney
stones and gallstones. The waves travel through water and body tissue
and hit the stone, which causes it to break up. The patient passes
the residual sand-like particles. This procedure causes minimal
discomfort.
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
Provides images of the body using a large cylindrical magnet, radio
frequency waves and very sophisticated computers. MRI does not emit
any ionizing radiation and is not harmful to humans if used by trained
responsible operators. MRI exams require patients to lie very still
for half an hour to two hours. These procedures may involve the
injection of MRI contrast media (dye) which is later cleared from
the body by the kidneys.
Mammography
Mammography uses specialized and dedicated x-ray equipment to
produce images of the breast.
Nuclear
Medicine
Involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials (or
tracers) to help diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. Nuclear
Medicine determines the cause of a medical problem based on the
function of the organ, tissue or bone. These tests are safe and
painless. The radioactive material is introduced into the body
by injection, ingestion, or inhalation.
Ultrasound
Sometimes referred to as Sonography. Ultrasound uses high frequency
sound waves to obtain images from inside the body. The reflected
sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as an image. Ultrasound
is useful for imaging the body's internal organs, including the
heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder.
Movement of internal tissues and organs can also be seen.
X-Rays
Sometimes referred to as General Radiography, x-rays are able
to produce a broad range of diagnostic images of most body parts,
commonly chest and bone x-xays. Fluoroscopy is used to produce
a 'motion-picture' of your body that allows radiologists to see
body function as well as structure. Contrast media, 'x-ray dye'
and barium can be used to help demonstrate anatomy that may not
show well on a x-ray on its own.
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