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Radiology Imaging
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital's Radiology Imaging Service is dedicated to excellence in patient care, providing modern equipment, and specialty services. Radiology Imaging Services performs X-rays and other examinations essential to diagnosing illness and injury. Utilizing a Siemens enterprise wide Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) solution, physicians have access to digital images from anywhere within the institution as well as their homes and offices. By utilizing the latest in Speech Recognition technology we also offer reduced turn around times for patients' results. Procedures performed cover the full range of imaging modalities, including Digital Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonography, Computerized Radiography (CR), Computed Tomography (CT) and Interventional Angiography.
Some of our equipment includes:
- 64 Slice CT Scans
- Hologic Digital Mammography
- G.E. M.R.I.
- Fuji Computerized Radiography
- Philips High Speed Spiral CT Units
- Philips Digital Interventional/Angio suite
- Siemens Dual Head SPECT Nuclear Camera (Single Photon Emission C/T)
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Unit
- Digital C-Arms in the O.R.
- Philips Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center employs the latest in MRI technology. Our system provides a more patient-friendly scanning environment without compromising clinical performance. The GE HDX 1.5 Tesla MRI system, or "short bore MRI" as it is commonly referred, gives remarkably detailed images of all parts of the body. Unlike the traditional MRI where patients were placed in a tunnel-like chamber, the short bore MRI is open at either end and is designed especially for those patients who find standard MRI systems to be too confining or intimidating. The fast imaging capability of the unit also provides for faster scan times.
MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses a powerful, but harmless, magnetic field and radio waves, like the kind that transmit your favorite FM music. The combination of radio waves and magnetic field produce detailed images of body structures such as the brain, spine, and other vital organs. These images are of such amazing clarity and detail that physicians are able to pinpoint a number of developing diseases or abnormalities earlier than ever before.
Breast MRI:
The GE HDX system with its most up to date MRI imaging capabilities now offers state of the art bi-lateral breast MRI imaging capabilities at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center.
MRI guided breast biopsy can be performed in our suite by Board certified radiologist Dr.Arlene Sussman. Brookhaven also offers the advanced computer aided detection system (CAD) that further aides Dr.Sussman in her diagnosis.
64- Slice CT Scan:
The powerful Computed Tomography (CT) 64-Slice Scanner is now available at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center's Outpatient Imaging Center. In a matter of seconds, the sate-of-art Aquilion 64 can create photo quality images of the inside of the body, painlessly. Three dimensional images of the brain, circulatory system, skeletal system and internal organs can be obtained in about 15 seconds, allowing physicians to diagnose narrowed arteries, internal bleeding, early stage cancers and much more.
Neurological Imaging:
The system offers capabilities to define tumor areas and borders through Spectroscopy and give a very detailed 3D map of the brain to the Neurosurgeons. The HDX maintains fast imaging capabilities to allow for scan times of less than 15 minutes versus 25 - 30 mins. Imaging quality is never sacrificed on the state of the art HDX system throughout the entire Brain and Spine.
Vascular:
Because of the phenomenal detail on the HDX system, examination of the entire vascular system from the heart to the feet is easily obtained. Particularly, imaging of the smaller vessels in the lower legs is one core strength of Brookhaven's system. As well the HDX system supports the most advanced imaging of vessels in the neck and head.
Orthopedic:
HDX supports the most advanced Orthopedic imaging capabilities inclusive of joints, extremities, and all bony structures. Standing apart from many other imaging centers Brookhaven also offers MRI arthrograms of the various joint spaces.
Digital Mammography:
Digital Mammography is a completely non-invasive exam that utilizes a low dose of x-rays to produce a high-quality, detailed image of the breast and can often detect breast cancer before it can be felt. Digital images are acquired in less time and give the radiologists the ability to magnify and adjust contrast, thus reducing patient re-calls. It also allows electronic transfer of breast images, improving communication between the radiologists and referring physicians. Early detection of breast cancer through digital mammography affords greater opportunity for successful treatment.
Digital mammography was significantly better in screening women in three categories, such as:
- under age 50 (no matter what level of breast tissue density they had).
- of any age with very dense or extremely dense breast tissue.
- of any age who are pre- or peri-menopausal women (defined as women who had a final menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms).
Ultrasound:
Ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high- frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. The images produced through ultrasound examination often provide information thats valuable in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays).
Conventional ultrasound displays the images in thin flat sections of the body. Advancements in ultrasound technology include three dimensional (3-D) ultrasound that formats the sound wave data into 3-D images. Four –dimensional (4-D) ultrasound is 3-D ultrasound in motion.
There are 3 types of Doppler ultrasound. They are Color Doppler, Power Doppler and Spectral Doppler. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
Ultrasound examinations can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness.
Ultrasound is used to help physicians evaluate symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the:
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (fetus ) in pregnant patients.
- Eyes
- Thyroid and parathyroid
- Scrotum (testicles)
- Heart and blood vessels
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
- Blockages to blood flow
- Narrowing of vessels
- Tumors and congenital malformation.
With knowledge about speed and volume of blood flow gained from a Doppler ultrasound image, the physician can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure like angioplasty.
Computed Tomography:
Computed Tomography, or Catscan as it is commonly referred to as, utilizes x-rays and computers to acquire, analyze and process digital images. Physicians use these highly detailed images to assist in a timely diagnosis. These images can even be processed into 3D models for clinicians to make the most accurate diagnosis and to provide the best patient care.
Computerized Radiography offers significant diagnostic quality advantages over conventional X-ray film/screen methods. The latest enhancements for Computerized Radiography include energy subtraction, which makes it possible to view bone-only and soft tissue-only images of the chest, and Dynamic Range Control, which makes it possible to see both bone and soft tissue on the same image. Because of its speed and accuracy, CR has also been adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces for its medical imaging support programs.
Diagnostic Radiology:
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital's Department of diagnostic radiology continues to serve the surrounding community with care and compassion along with quality diagnostic imaging.
The Emergency Department Radiology suite boasts a state of the art computed radiology images in helping physicians make a diagnosis.
For Operating Room procedures, the radiology department has added two fluoroscopy units that provide the highest quality images.
All technologists employed by Brookhaven Radiology Imaging are licensed and certified by the national and state qualifying boards, as required in each specialty. Our technical staff is made up of members of American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Our radiologists are diplomats of the American Board of Radiology.
We are currently involved in developing detailed plans for providing radiology services for the new 100 Hospital Road Outpatient Radiology Imaging Center, conveniently located directly across the street from the Hospital.
Radiology is always a work in progress. Today's technology is constantly changing. We are always looking to provide the best way to serve patients in the community...tomorrow's patients...our community. Our strategy for success is to invest in people, programs and appropriate technology.
In the near future:
- 64-slice advanced CT unit
- Referring physician accessible web scheduling system
- PET/CT scanner
- Breast MRI
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