Our staff participates in both the Image Gently (for pediatric patients) and Image Wisely (for adult patients), awareness programs of the American College of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
The objective of these programs is to encourage practitioners to avoid unnecessary ionizing radiation scans and to use the lowest optimal radiation dose for necessary studies resulting in a lower radiation dose to the patient.
CT
Kishwaukee and Valley West Community Hospitals and its radiologists have implemented a comprehensive initiative to reduce the radiation dose patients receive when they have a computed tomography (CT) scan, X-ray or fluoroscopy exam.
CT Scanning uses special X-ray imaging called tomography, which produces cross-sectional images, to generate a two-dimensional image of structures and organs within the body. Most procedures are noninvasive.
The result is a detailed and clear image showing details of the structure and function of specific organs and internal body parts including:
- Head & Neck including the brain, pituitary gland, internal auditory canals, sinuses, temperomandibular joints (TMJ), facial and orbital bones, neck, and the cervical spine (beginning at the base of the skull).
- Body including the chest, abdomen, pelvis, thoracic (located in the chest area) and lumbar spine (lower back), and mediastinum (middle section of the chest cavity including the heart).
- Extremities including the shoulder, hips, elbow, knees, wrist and hand joints, and ankle and feet joints, and non-joint imaging of long bones.
64-Slice CT Scan
The top of the line 64-slice CT scan is faster and provides a higher resolution than other multi-slice scanners. The speed, high image resolution and wider area of coverage assist in more accurate and quick diagnosis for many critical conditions. It also allows for 3D image construction on a separate work station.
Specific Organ Imaging
Renal Study obtains pictures of the patient’s kidneys as they work to diagnose certain conditions such as obstructions and normal functions.
Liver CT provides images of the liver and biliary tract (gallbladder and bile ducts) and can help in the diagnosis of specific types of jaundice, cancer and other diseases.
Pancreas CT allows physicians to assess the pancreas for tumors, and help diagnose the reasons for bleeding, infections, obstructions and other conditions in conjunction with other imaging exams.
Spleen CT is used for seeing the size, shape and position of the spleen, as well as abnormalities, infection and cysts.
CT Screenings
Cardiac Heart Score takes pictures of the heart while it beats, and the image is then evaluated to determine the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. This procedure takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Lung Screening provides a non-invasive way to screen the lungs for cancer.r.Pain Clinic Procedures
Using CT images as a guide in the procedures, Nerve Root Block, Facet Injection, and Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Injection, physicians determine if a specific spinal nerve root, facet joint, or the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the source of pain in order to reduce inflammation in the area, which decreases or relieves pain.
Special Procedures
CT Guided Biopsy is a safe and efficient procedure that allows a physician to biopsy superficial and deep musculoskeletal tumors. The real-time image of the CT allows the technician to see the subpercutaneous needle as it moves through tissue to the affected site.CT Abscess Drainage allows a physician to insert a tube, or drain, through the skin into the fluid. This tube allows fluid to drain into a bag and be removed from the body. Collections of fluid, called ascites, most often appear in the chest and abdomen and are often due to severe liver disease, but can also indicate other significant medical conditions.
Aspirations allow a physician to insert a tube, or drain, through the skin into fluid collecting in the lungs. This tube allows fluid to drain into a bag and be removed from the body.
Radiofrequency Ablation uses radiofrequency energy, which is an electrical current designed to ablate lesions. The electrical current is delivered to the lesion with a needle electrode. It generates heat that is designed to be high enough to ablate the lesion cells in the liver and lung due to metastatic disease.
