Did you know? • A CAT scan can create a 3-dimensional image of the inside of your head • 50% of all X rays are taken of the chest • One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; see mammography for early detection

Deaconess’ Imaging Department offers both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) radiology and is staffed by highly trained, patient-focused associates.  We offer exceptional quality in clinical services, images and diagnoses—which are critical to determining your care and treatment.

Our equipment includes CT scanners, MRI, ultrasound machines for both general and vascular procedures, digital mammography machines, a stereotactic machine, nuclear medicine machines and x-ray rooms.

• Angiography
• Catheterization
• Chest X ray (and other X rays)
• Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan (two machines for your convenience)
• Echocardiograph
• Magnetic Resonance Angiogram
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Digital Mammography
• Nuclear Heart Scan
• Nuclear Medicine Studies
• Thallium Stress Test
  
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
• Ultrasonography

Angiography (or arteriography) is a procedure to X ray blood vessels. Coronary angiography is a test used to explore the coronary arteries. A fine tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and maneuvered into a coronary artery. Once the tube is has reached the heart, dye is injected. The heart and blood vessels are then filmed while the heart pumps. The picture, called an angiogram or arteriogram, will show concerns such as a blockage caused by heart disease or other problems. (Read about “Coronary Heart Disease” and  “Vascular System:  Arteries and Veins”)

Cardiac catheterization is a test used to explore the coronary arteries, by inserting a fine tube (catheter) into an artery or vein of an arm or leg and maneuvered through the arteries of the heart. It can be used in the diagnosis of heart disease. (Read about “Coronary Heart Disease”

This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. The picture is more detailed than an X ray image. This test can be used in the diagnosis of a number of heart conditions including valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and heart attack. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease", "Cardiomyopathy", "The Heart & Its Valves", "Congestive Heart Failure", or "Heart Attack")

This is an imaging technique in which contrast dye is injected into a blood vessel and magnetic resonance used to create an image of the flowing blood through the vessel; it can be used in the diagnosis of heart disorders, stroke, blood vessel disorders and to detect stenosis of the brain arteries inside the skull. (Read about “Coronary Heart Disease”  and “Stroke”)

Digital mammography provides patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.  From the patient’s point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography.  Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis.  The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.
 
Because there is no waiting for film to be developed, digital mammography can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the breast center, as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure.
 
Statistics demonstrate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 97%.  
 
The Deaconess Breast Evaluation Center is committed to the fight against breast cancer. If you would like to schedule a mammogram, please call Centralized Scheduling at 473.7777.  If you have questions about the Deaconess Breast Evaluation Center, please contact 473.7950. More about breast cancer.