DIAGNOSTICS | IMAGING

In House Digital X-ray Fluoroscopy is a form of imaging that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the body, thus helping in terms of both diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Performing therapies “blindly” has been shown to be inaccurate at best and unsafe at worst.

What to expect: Holding still momentarily as the machine takes a picture to display on the screen. Smiles are optional but always welcomed

Ultrasound is a form of imaging that uses sound waves outside the range of human hearing. Such frequencies can however be interpreted by a computer to form live moving images of tissues and organs. These images can be used diagnostically or to help guide therapeutic interventions.

What to expect: Application of gel to the area in question. This augments the sound waves from the ultrasound probe and helps create a picture on the screen. Holding still is not entirely necessary.

Echocardiography is a form of ultrasound imaging that looks at the anatomy and function of the heart and its valves.

What to expect: Gel applied to the chest to augment the sound waves emanating from the ultrasound probe. The probe will be moved around the chest depending on the area being visualized.

In House EKG Analysis is a recording of the electrical signal in the heart to help check for various cardiac conditions. Establishing a “baseline” EKG is important for comparison purposes should any unforeseen symptoms arise in the future.

What to expect: EKG wires attached to stickers on the chest and limbs, followed by a printout of the electrical activity recorded by the wires.

Whole Body and Orthopedic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-radiation form of imaging that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create very detailed images of tissues and organs. Although the technology has been around for decades, new algorithms have made tremendous strides in being able to diagnose pathology including various cancers much earlier, and to help define orthopedic injuries in much greater detail.

What to expect: Laying flat on a bed while the body part being imaged is moved through a doughnut shaped imager. There are no visible moving parts otherwise. A loud thumping sound can be bothersome and foam earplugs may be helpful. Since the imager operates using magnets, metals cannot enter the imaging suite. Most prosthetic devices including pacemakers and nerve stimulators are safe but please let your radiology technician know. The study can take as long as 20-30 minutes and if claustrophobia is an issue, medications can be given beforehand to assist in completing the study.

Virtual Coronary Angiography is a new form of imaging the coronary arteries that goes beyond traditional measures of heart disease. It’s able to characterize and quantify the various types of plaque that is contributing to risk of heart attack. Gone are the days where the only way to do this was by subjecting to an invasive test involving placement of a wire within each coronary vessel.

What to expect: Injection of contrast dye through an IV in your arm while a CT scanner captures images of the dye moving through the vessels in your heart. The injection can make you feel flushed briefly, and the procedure takes around 10 minutes once dye is injected.

Comprehensive Vascular Imaging for Plaque Burden allows for a look at other common places where vascular plaque can reside and thereby increase risk of potentially fatal conditions such as stroke, aneurysms, and dissections. Early detection greatly increases success rates of interventions while decreasing their risk.

What to expect: Injection of contrast dye through an IV in your arm while a CT scanner captures images of the dye moving through various vessels in your neck, brain, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The injection can make you feel flushed briefly.

Body Composition Analysis allows for measurement of not only fat, muscle, bone density, etc. but also the distribution of adipose tissue within certain organs that disproportionately increases risk of serious disease. Moreover, performing such analyses over time provides valuable feedback in terms of the types of interventions and lifestyle modifications likely to yield favorable results.

What to expect: At the time of the exam, you’ll be asked to lay down on a table while a machine captures images similar to an X-ray machine. A computer will then interpret the data to determine your body composition.