Diagnostic Imaging Near Port Charlotte

We use imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at its earliest stages when treatment can be most effective.

Digital Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. With our digital technology, radiologists can zoom in or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately.

Digital mammography offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue
• Less radiation exposure
• Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams

For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, with no upper age limit if the woman is in good health.

Breast MRI

Along with mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be an effective diagnostic tool. It’s often used for people who are at greater risk of developing breast cancer or who have dense breast tissue or implants.

This technique offers a more comfortable experience and is used to:

• Assess the extent of breast cancer
• Determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment
• Further evaluate abnormalities that were found during a mammogram or clinical exam
• Provide additional detail for treatment planning

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.

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A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray and computer technology to show highly detailed, 3-D images of bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels. Scans can also be performed using a contrast solution (either swallowed or injected) to make tissues and vessels more visible.

We use advanced 64-slice CT technology to capture images of a beating heart in five heartbeats, an organ in one second and a whole-body scan in 10 seconds. This technology results in less radiation exposure for patients and can be used to examine organs like the heart, spine, lungs and colon, as well as advanced techniques such as angiography, virtual colonoscopy and radiation therapy planning.

Cardiac Imaging

Doctors can capture images of the heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats. The quicker exam time offers a more comfortable experience for sick or elderly patients.

Stroke Imaging

Treatment delivered within the first hour after a stroke offers the best possible outcome for the patient. CT scanning provides the speed and resolution required for rapid imaging of blood vessels in the brain so doctors can begin treatment as quickly as possible.

Advanced CT Technology

We provide a range of advanced CT-guided techniques that doctors use in both diagnosis and interventional radiology treatments, including:

• Biopsies and abscess drainages
• CT angiography/arteriography
• CT radiation therapy planning
• Image-guided surgeries and pre-surgical planning
• Myelography (spine imaging with contrast solution)
• Virtual colonoscopy

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a noninvasive screening that uses sound waves to create a detailed, moving picture of the heart and valves. It is often used to measure pumping function in those with heart failure or to determine the extent of damage after a heart attack.

An echocardiogram can be used to diagnose, evaluate and monitor several conditions, including:

• Abnormal heart valves
• Atrial fibrillation
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart murmurs
• Infections in the sac around the heart (pericarditis) or the heart valves (infectious endocarditis)
• Pulmonary hypertension

Our imaging experts perform a range of echocardiograms, including:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

The most common type of echocardiogram is performed by moving the transducer (which picks up the sound waves) to different areas outside your chest or abdomen to obtain views of the heart.

Stress Echocardiogram

This test is performed before and after your heart is stressed, either with exercise or medication to increase heart rate. Doctors use this test to determine whether you have decreased blood flow to your heart.

Doppler Echocardiogram

This test examines how blood flows through the heart chambers, valves and vessels.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

When a regular echocardiogram is unclear, either due to obesity or lung disease, a TEE can provide a clearer picture. In this test, a probe is guided down the esophagus and can be positioned closer to the heart without obstruction from the lungs and chest wall. This procedure is performed under mild sedation.

During the Test

Electrodes are attached to your chest and shoulders to record your heart's electrical activity. You will be asked to lie on your back or left side, and a clear gel will be applied to give the best views possible. You may be asked to breathe slowly or even hold your breath to get the best picture possible. The exam usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of views needed and whether a Doppler echo is required.

The procedure is painless, although you may feel slightly uncomfortable pressure from the transducer being pressed against your chest. Patients with broad chests, those who are obese and those with chronic lung disease may not be able to have good-quality images produced.

Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to provide real-time images of the area being examined. It is often used to look at the skeletal, digestive, urinary or reproductive systems, as well as organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Fluoroscopy is commonly used to examine the intestines and large bowel and is most often performed using a contrast solution to make tissues and other structures more visible.

This technology is often used with other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to provide visual monitoring and guidance for procedures like:

• Biopsies
• Cardiac catheterization
• Image-guided injections

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that combines a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to provide detailed images of tissues, muscles, nerves and bones. Because MRI uses magnetic force and radio waves to create images, there is no radiation exposure during the procedure. MRI is often used instead of CT to study soft tissues or organs because bones do not obscure the organs and soft tissues as they do with CT imaging.

MRI can be used to assess everything from ruptured discs in the spine to detecting brain tumors and vascular diseases.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI can be a more effective imaging technique than mammography for some women and can provide additional details for diagnosing and evaluating breast abnormalities.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

This MRI test assesses chemical abnormalities in the brain for conditions such as coma, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, brain tumors, head injury and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

An MRA evaluates blood flow or detects brain aneurysms or blood vessel abnormalities. It is used to visualize renal, carotid and vertebral arteries, or examine the aorta for aneurysm. Perfusion and diffusion scanning examine blood flow through tissues to evaluate strokes.

The Technology

You will be imaged in a tubular device approximately 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter. If your feet or knees are being imaged, your head will be outside the magnet. If your head, shoulder or chest is being imaged, your feet will be outside the imager. Some claustrophobic individuals may get anxious, but you are in constant intercom contact with the technologists in the control room and can get out at any time.

The Exam

Your exam will last between 30 and 60 minutes. You will need to lie still for periods of three to 10 minutes at a time while the images are collected. You can breathe freely during this time and, in some cases, be allowed to move slightly between scans. The imaging session creates a series of repetitive knocking sounds when the magnetic field gradients are turned on and off during the procedure.

The Results

A radiologist will read the images from your scan and provide your physician with a report.

Ultrasound (or sonography) uses reflected sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, blood vessels and organs. Because sound waves are used, there is no radiation exposure during this procedure.

Although most commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, ultrasound is also an effective tool for monitoring blood flow using Doppler technology. Ultrasound can be used to discover abnormalities in organs and detect narrowed arteries, clotted veins or growths such as tumors and cysts.

How It Works

A transducer, or small microphone-like device, is placed over the area being examined. Sound waves pass through the skin and bounce off certain organs and tissues in the body, creating echoes. The echoes are reflected through the transducer, which converts them to electrical signals. These moving images are viewed on a monitor and can be recorded or photographed for further study.

Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to detect, diagnose or monitor multiple conditions, including:

• Heart problems — Ultrasound exams can make it possible to detect clots within the heart, evaluate damage after a heart attack, diagnose heart defects or an enlarged heart, and heart and artery diseases
• Abdominal disorders — Ultrasound may be used to detect gallstones or check for problems in the liver, kidneys, pancreas or spleen
• Blood vessel problems — Ultrasound studies of veins and arteries may show clots that could burst or a narrowing of the main artery leading to the brain, which could lead to stroke
• Eye disorders — The ultrasound transducer can be placed on the eyelid to detect swelling, bleeding or foreign objects in the eye
• Cancer — Ultrasound can locate lumps in organs or tissues and can often show the difference between fluid-filled cysts and cancerous tumors
• Pelvic disorders — Ultrasound can help determine the cause of pain or bleeding in the reproductive organs of women
• Other conditions — Ultrasound may be used when imaging the breasts, examining the thyroid gland in the neck and when inserting a needle to obtain fluid from the lungs