Imaging technology is moving forward at the speed of light with buzzwords like “hybrid imaging,” “PACS,” and “4-D imaging.” While radiology physicians are excited to be able to see intricately detailed images of the human body’s internal organs , and oncology physicians can determine the precise location of a tumor and its cellular composition, the average consumer may wonder, “What’s in it for me?”

 

In the early nineteenth century the only way a doctor could diagnose an internal medical problem was to cut the patient open.   In the late 1800’s the first form of imaging technology was discovered and named the X-ray. Today imaging technology at Memorial includes CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), digital radiography (X-rays), fluoroscopy (real time X-rays), nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, vascular studies, cardiac stress testing, bone densitometry, mammography, PET/CT, and computerized imaging equipment in surgery.   All have different functions and a variety of uses for medical care in cardiac, cancer, and orthopedics, plus general medicine and just about every kind of surgery.

 

From the patient perspective, there are several important benefits to these advancements in high quality imaging at Memorial. High quality images improve diagnosis and treatment options, and the new technology is focused on patient comfort and reduced scan times.

 

More than 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. The treatment process starts with establishing the location, size, volume, and composition of tumors. Memorial’s technology provides physicians the detailed information they need to diagnose cancer and develop the most effective treatment plans.

 

Imaging is critical for all phases of internal radiation therapy when the radiation beam must be aimed precisely at the malignant tumor. The PET/CT scanner (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography) at Memorial now offers 4-D imaging. This allows specific tracking of a tumor as it moves when the patient breathes. Knowing the full range of tumor positioning as it rises and falls allows physicians to aim more precisely at the tumor and improves the effectiveness of treatment. 

 

Memorial’s PET/CT upgrade also enables “hybrid imaging” which is the fusion of PET images to high resolution CT images acquired in a single scanning procedure. This gives physicians the exact location and information on how fast the tumor is changing.

Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer. One out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The new MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at Memorial Hospital offers world-class breast health care. A Dedicated Breast MRI, the first in the area, brings that care to a new level, completing the array of integrated services not found anywhere else in the region.

“The Dedicated Breast MRI provides unsurpassed image quality, patient comfort, and efficiency,” says Dr. Lanett Varnell, a radiologist with special expertise in reading breast imaging. “MRI is an essential tool for pre-and post-operative evaluation of breast cancer, cancer therapy monitoring and cancer staging.”

Donations from individuals, corporations, and Memorial associates helped fund the construction of the 7,000 square-foot breast center on the Memorial Hospital campus in 2007, and most recently, the purchase of the Dedicated Breast MRI.

“The Breast Center streamlines the patient’s experience by reducing the time from early detection to breast cancer treatment from weeks down to a matter of days,” explains Kathy Dittmar, director of Memorial Breast Services. “Our goal is to decrease the trauma of the journey and enhance positive outcomes with state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in a warm, supportive environment.”

Women now have the benefit of digital mammography screenings at the Memorial North Park and Memorial Atrium Imaging Centers, as well as diagnostic digital mammography at the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center. This expands access for women who seek the convenience of imaging close to home and the exceptional detail offered by digital mammography. 

 

If an abnormality is revealed during a screening mammogram, patients from all three imaging centers have access to the multidisciplinary comprehensive services offered at the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center, including diagnostic work up, same day results, nurse navigation services, and much more.

 

Making mammography convenient and available to all women, including those with limited financial resources, demonstrates Memorial’s commitment to early detection of breast cancer. Through the services of Memorial’s Mobile Health Coach, breast health education and screenings are provided in 23 Tennessee counties and Northwest Georgia.

 

The 39-foot coach, custom designed and equipped with a state-of-the-art mammography system, was purchased with generous donations from Hamico (Chattem) Foundation, SunTrust Bank, and a $125,000 grant from the National Consortium of Breast Centers through the Tennessee Women's Health Initiative. Grants from the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund and the Chattanooga Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation help fund educational programs for the uninsured and underinsured.

 

Memorial’s new Interventional Radiology Suite features direct digital imaging for much improved visibility of anatomic detail, giving radiologists the ability to perform X-ray angiography to diagnose, and if necessary, treat vessel blockage.

 

Special features include “CT spin” imaging, where the X-ray tube rotates around the patient collecting and assembling a cross-section of 3-D images that are real time images. Interventional radiologists use the “live view” for pinpoint accuracy in placement of catheters. System integration also enables panoramic viewing of current images and previous exams for comparison

When your condition requires a medical imaging procedure, sometimes the hardest part is waiting for the results. Digital equipment at Memorial’s three imaging centers makes it possible to acquire images with greater detail and definition in a shorter time with no waiting for films to be developed.

Our Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) links your physician directly to the imaging centers. Any day, any time, from any location, your physician can access your digital test results through a protected portal and give you the answers you need.

“Now physicians have the ability to share images with other physicians anywhere in the world to get expert advice, and discuss diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner,” says Dr. Don Mills, Chief of Radiology for Memorial Health Care System.

 

Response times are also impacted with the latest advancement in transcription technology. With digital transcription, radiologists can read images, dictate findings, edit transcribed results, and electronically send the final report in a single session.

 

 “Digital speech recognition is one of the latest enhancements to Memorial’s imaging services,” says Bill Bunnell, executive director of Imaging Services at Memorial. “The automation of this process significantly decreases the time it takes to report imaging results to physicians and their patients, who may be anxiously awaiting a critical diagnosis.”

 

Memorial continues to upgrade the technology of imaging services in our efforts to provide world-class medical care right here in Chattanooga.