At St. Joseph's Imaging Services, our board-certified radiologists and highly trained radiology technologists offer the latest imaging procedures along with treatment options for patients.
Using the latest imaging technology, patient needs are met with our state-of the art equipment and digital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) technology. And patient exams are available to your physician through our Web-based PACS, or on a CD available for patient pick up at any of our facilities.
Our comprehensive imaging services include:
- Interventional and Vascular Radiology
Interventional and Vascular Radiology offers patients advanced treatment options as a result of the latest in imaging technology. Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat diseases using minimally invasive techniques using small, miniaturized tools and equipment. Many of the new procedures replace more invasive surgical procedures or provide therapy for diseases which were untreatable in the past. Our interventional radiologist will work closely with your physician to recommend the best treatment and care for you.
Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology is a new procedure that treats problems in the brain, spinal cord and their surrounding structures, such as the skull, spine and intervertebral discs. Neuroradiology allows specially trained radiologists to treat neurological conditions in a safer, less invasive way, allowing for a quicker recovery time for patients. Common conditions diagnosed and treated by this new interventional subspecialty include stroke, disc herniation, fractures, tumors, infections, multiple sclerosis and brain aneurysms.
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that is used to view inside the body. MRI technology uses magnetic energy to produce two- or three-dimentions images through radiowaves and a computer. Because of MRI’s ability to provide excellent images, it can often eliminate the need for further diagnostic testing or exploratory surgery. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for diseases of the brain, spine (herniated disks), and joints, such as the knee, shoulder and wrist. MRI has also proven very useful in diagnosing conditions of the gallbladder. At St. Joseph’s Hospital, anesthesiologists are part of the imaging team and can provide sedation and general anesthesia for children and adults unable to tolerate the MRI exam due to claustrophobia.
- CAT Scan
Computed Axial Tomography, also known as a CAT Scan or CT, is a sophisticated imaging technology that provides precise and detailed information on internal organs of the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Utilizing advanced “multi-slice” technology, CAT Scan's provide cross-sectional images, or slices of the body, that St. Joseph's radiologists use to aid clinicians in patient diagnoses. CAT Scan's provide greater details than conventional X-rays, and allows for a greater visualization of soft tissues and internal organs. CAT Scan angiography and cardiac “scoring” of coronary arteries is available with this technology too.
- Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic Radiology is what is typically known as “traditional” radiology, where routine X-rays are used to support patient care throughout the hospital. X-rays are an invaluable procedure used to diagnose broken bones, pneumonia and many digestive disorders, and portable X-rays machines are often used to quickly diagnose patients and assist surgeons in the operating room. And routine X-rays are used in upper gastrointestinal (GI) procedures and other fluoroscopic exams to view the entire digestive tract, including the large and small intestine and stomach, in search of some common conditions such as ulcers, hiatal hernias and colitis.
- Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves to obtain images of the body. Ultrasound exams are performed by a certified medical sonographer using a small hand-held device called a transducer. Ultrasound exams are painless and can typically be completed in 30 to 60 minutes. Today’s ultrasound technology produces quality images, including color-flow Doppler images of arteries and veins. St. Joseph's performs ultrasound exams for areas including the abdomen, vascular system, breast, prostate, heart, brain, musculoskelatal, gynecology and obstetrics. Ultrasound exams are also beneficial for trauma patients through our Emergency Department.
- Nuclear Medicine and PET
Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty used to diagnose, manage, and treat many diseases such as cardiac, cancer, liver and gall bladder diseases. Treatments and diagnostic techniques use small amounts of radioactive materials to demonstrate both organ function and structure. These techniques are especially helpful for diagnosing and staging several types of cancers and can often identify abnormalities before they are visible with other diagnostic tests. This early detection allows treatment of diseases at stages that can offer better patient outcomes. Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe with patients receiving a radiation dose that is comparable to a routine chest X-ray.
- Pediatric Radiology
Unlike other radiology subspecialty areas, Pediatric Radiology is defined by the age group of which it serves. In doing so, all imaging modalities can be applied to evaluate each of the body systems of children. With a coordinated effort from clinical input, the goal is to provide top quality medical care to the pediatric patient. Radiologist work closely with clinicians to solve the unique diagnostic dilemmas of children as they progress from infancy to adolescence. Fellowship-trained pediatric radiologists are on staff at St. Joseph’s to provide this specialty imaging service.
- Women’s Imaging
Women’s Imaging is an emerging subspecialty of radiology that places emphasis on the unique health needs of women and provides an increase focus on public awareness and screening programs for early diagnosis and prevention of diseases facing women today. Some of the important areas that Women’s Imaging focuses on are breast cancer, the female reproductive system, uterine and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. The Breast Center at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital has been specifically designed to meet the diagnostic and treatment needs of the women in our community in a calming and “women-friendly” environment. Minimally invasive core breast biopsy procedures are available as well as referrals for “fast-track” consultations appointments with surgeons and radiologists practicing at the Breast Center.
