Fluoroscopy is another type of x-ray technology which is used to produce real-time images of internal body anatomy on a video screen, even while the movements are occurring. Images of diaphragm motion, swallowing coordination, and a barium-filled gastrointestinal tract can be recorded to be reviewed and evaluated at a later time.

Computed tomography is a highly advanced x-ray procedure which combines x-rays with computers to produce two-dimensional cross-section images of organs and other body parts. A CT scan is useful in evaluating the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis to determine the site, type and extent of disease or injury. CT can determine if internal bleeding is occurring or visualize the size and extent of tumors. Spiral CT is the latest technology, particularly used during evaluation of cancer and trauma patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging produces three-dimensional visual images of internal structures in any plane using strong electromagnetic fields and powerful computers. In MRI, the patient is placed inside a powerful magnet that aligns the water molecules contained in the body tissues. A radio signal is directed to the body part being examined, temporarily disrupting this alignment. When the radio signal stops, the water molecules return to alignment at different rates and emits signals that are received and processed at a computer, which converts the data to a series of images. MRI is currently the most sensitive, non-invasive way of imaging the Brain, Spine, Soft tissues, organs, and musculoskeletal structures, as well as breast and prostate.

MR Angiography is a special technique used to process MRI information of the blood vessels to diagnose abnormalities, aneurysm, occlusions, and ruptures.

Sono/Ultrasound produces images using high-frequency sound waves rather than x-rays. Sound waves are directed into the body from a transducer through the skin surface. When these sound waves come into contact with the internal structures, part of the sound energy is reflected back to the body surface, to the transducer where it is converted electronically into an image.

Since there is no x-ray involved, Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to determine fetal position, age, and gross anatomy. It is also used to evaluate numerous other structures such as the gall bladder, spleen, liver, kidneys, and thyroid.

Doppler Ultrasound detects blood flow in the veins and arteries and is used to evaluate and diagnose problems such as blood clots, venous reflux disease, pre-operative mapping of vessels, and atherosclerotic disease.

Nuclear Medicine Nuclear Medicine involves using radioactive isotopes to image different organ systems in the body, including Brain, Thyroid, Lungs, Heart, Liver, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Bones, and Tumor imaging for Cancer Diagnosis.  Nuclear Medicine differs from other imaging because it uses gamma rays instead of x-rays and it assesses the function of the body instead of the anatomy.  Cardiac Stress testing is a common Nuclear Medicine test to look at the perfusion of blood to the heart and rule out ischemia. 

PET/CT is a form of Nuclear Medicine, and a mobile service offers PET/CT one day each week.

Interventional Radiology/Special Procedures refers to a number of different procedures involving catheters, contrast media (dye), stents, drains, and needles placed through the skin surface into the body, without surgical intervention. These diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are often outpatient procedures and are generally less invasive than the corresponding surgical procedures.

• Needle biopsy.Thin needles, or core biopsy devices, can be introduced through the skin to sample tissue from within the body, without the need for a surgical incision. CT, fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance permits the samples of the appropriate organ or mass to be obtained for subsequent evaluation by a pathologist. Some breast specimens are retrieved using a digital stereotactic biopsy device.
• Stereotactic biopsyis a major advance in the diagnosis of breast cancer, which is now available at Hays Medical Center. Developed over the last 10 years, stereotactic biopsy is a procedure of computerized directed needle biopsy of the breast which provides tissue diagnosis of mammographic findings without surgery. Pathology results are available in two days.
• Abscess Drainage. Abscesses can, in some cases, be drained without surgical incision, again using CT, fluoroscopic, or ultrasound guidance. A drain tube is left in place, open to the skin surface, while the abscess resolves.

Screening and diagnostic mammography, along with self-examination and a physician’s breast exam, are powerful weapons for early detection of breast cancer when it is most apt to be curable.  Here at HaysMed we use 3D Mammography.

3D Mammography is the method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of the breast used in Mammography. Mammography uses tomography to produce millimeter slices of the breast to make a 2D image. It allows the radiologist to scroll through the breast to find cancer at an earlier stage as well as other abnormalities or normal breast tissue.  Mammography is accredited by the American College of Radiology and is certified by the US Food and Drug Administration.