MODALITIES

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ( MRI )

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a super conductive electromagnet, radio waves and sophisticated computer software to generate and enhance images. The result is an unprecedented view of internal organs, body structure and systems. Anatomi Imaging utilizes high-quality hardware and software to provide doctors with the detailed images they need to make an accurate diagnosis. MRI provides excellent images without radiation exposure.

What to expect during your magnetic resonance exam

The technologist will constantly be in touch with you via intercom. You’ll lie down on the MRI table, which will move into the scanner. During the exam, you may feel a slight vibration and hear a series of rhythmic knocking or hammering sounds. This is all normal. Some MRI exams require the injection of a contrast dye, which assists the Radiologist in obtaining optimal images to make a diagnosis. Most exams take about an hour.

Take a Virtual Tour of an MRI at our NE location.

MRI with Excite HD PROPELLER (for patients with difficulty lying still)

Now it’s possible to get excellent image quality on moving patients. GE’s Excite HD PROPELLER software allows us to “freeze” patient motion and provide useful diagnostic images of pediatric, elderly and confused patients.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY ( MRA )

MRA is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging that allows doctors to see blood vessels and blood flow in specific areas of the body. It provides a safe, noninvasive alternative to angiography.

Learn what to expect from all types of magnetic resonance exams.
Learn how to prepare for your MRI exam.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI allows doctors to see what the inside of the breast looks like without having to do surgery or flatten the breast (as with a mammogram). Breast MRI has no known health hazards. MRI can provide images of dense breasts (as found in younger women) and implants.

What to expect during your breast MRI

You’ll lie on your stomach with both breasts hanging freely into a cushioned recess containing a breast coil receiver. The bed moves into the opening of the scanner, and you’ll be asked to lie still for up to 15 minutes at a time while images are acquired. Total exam time is usually an hour or less.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI help doctors detect blockages in blood vessels, as well as other conditions that can contribute to heart disease, coronary artery disease, vascular disease and stroke. Cardiac imaging can be a fast, effective alternative to more invasive exploratory procedures.

Learn what to expect from all types of magnetic resonance exams.
Learn how to prepare for your MRI exam.

Open MRI (for large patients or those with claustrophobia)

While the normal MRI machine has a doughnut shaped scanner with a table that moves through its center, an open MRI machine has a wide, open-sided space between two separate scanner sections. Another option for claustrophobic patients is to receive a sedative before being scanned by a normal MRI machine. Please notify our office if you are claustrophobic, or think you may be.

Take a 360° Tour of an Open MRI at our Ridge location.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ( CT )

Computed Tomography is a sophisticated form of x-ray imaging that provides pictures of the body in a series of slices. A CT scan shows clear images of bone, internal organs, muscles and blood vessels and allows doctors to distinguish between normal and diseased or injured tissue. The CT scanner resembles a large doughnut, and your body passes quickly through it while the scanner obtains images.

What to expect during your computed tomography exam

Depending on the area of the body being examined, we may ask you to change into a gown. You may be given a contrast dye by mouth or by injection with a small needle. The dye may cause brief nausea or a feeling of warmth.

You’ll lie down on the CT table, which passes quickly through the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time as sections of your body are scanned.

Learn how to prepare for your CT exam.

ROUTINE FLUOROSCOPY

The fluoroscope has a tilting table connected to an x-ray machine and a television screen, which shows a real-time x-ray image of your body. The images can also be saved for later viewing and diagnostic analysis.

Many fluoroscopic procedures use a liquid contrast dye, which may be administered by mouth or through injection.

What to expect during your fluoroscopy exam

Depending on the type of testing being done, the technologist may ask you to change into a gown. You will either lie on a table or stand upright on a platform attached to the table, then the fluoroscopy tube will move in front of your body to acquire images. Some tests will require you to drink barium during the imaging process. After the exam, you may be asked to wait on the table while a radiologist checks your images, and in some cases, more images may need to be taken. When finished, you’ll be helped from the table.

Learn how to prepare for your fluoroscopy exam.

X-RAY

An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body. The ability of x-rays to penetrate tissues and bones varies according to its composition and mass, which allows doctors to obtain images from inside the body.

BONE DENSITOMETRY - Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry ( DEXA )

A DEXA scan measures your bone density with a low dose of radiation, which is interpreted by sophisticated computer analysis. Your test results, after being interpreted by an Anatomi Imaging radiologist, will assist your physician in determining whether you need treatment for bone loss.

What to expect during your bone densitometry exam

A bone densitometry exam is simple and painless. You’ll lie down on a padded table, relax, be as still as possible and breathe normally while a mechanical arm passes above your hip and spine. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.

Learn how to prepare for your bone densitometry exam.

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

This procedure uses very low doses of radiation to obtain images of the breasts, allowing doctors to detect small cancers even before they can be felt. A radiologist will interpret your mammogram and provide your physician with a written report.

What to expect during your mammography exam

Mammograms are used for two purposes, and the procedure varies for each:

Screening mammogram (for women without disease symptoms):
You’ll change into a gown, and each breast will be compressed for a few seconds while x-rays are taken. The procedure is a bit uncomfortable, but necessary for an accurate evaluation. After the exam, we’ll ask you to wait until the technologist examines the images. Around ten percent of women will be called back after a screening mammogram for additional mammogram views or ultrasound imaging to get a better view of a particular area.

Diagnostic mammogram (for women with lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, a history of breast cancer or other symptoms/special conditions):
A diagnostic mammogram is essentially the same procedure as a screening mammogram but may include additional views or special techniques to magnify suspicious areas or obtain a better analysis of normal breast tissue. A diagnostic mammogram may take up to one hour, depending on how many views are needed.

Learn how to prepare for your digtal mammography exam.

PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography - St. Francis Only)

PET/CT allows doctors to examine signs of disease, such as areas with increased activity that may signal the origins of cancer (often at an earlier stage than is possible with conventional X-rays or CT scans). The procedure is painless, noninvasive and safe, and can replace several other testing procedures with a single exam by acquiring images of every system in the body with one scan. PET/CT can show the beginnings of many common forms of cancer, as well as heart and neurological disease.

What to expect during your PET/CT exam

Your appointment will last approximately 90 minutes. If you have any family or friends accompany you, they may wait in the CyberKnife Center waiting room. You will be given an opportunity to use the restroom before your appointment begins. Once you’re in the mobile unit you will be seated in a recliner. An IV will be placed in your arm to use for injection. The IV will be removed following the injection and you will remain seated in the recliner for 45-60 minutes It is necessary for you to sit and relax for that time so your body may process the injection. You may bring music to listen to, however sit still and relax; reading is not allowed. Once your 45-60 minutes is up we will have you use the restroom. We will then begin your scan. Your scan will take approximately 30-45 minutes. We will ask you to lie on your back for the duration of the scan. We place a triangle sponge under your knees and some pillows under your head. You will not need to undress, but we ask that you do not wear metal (zippers, heavy jewelry or under wire bra.) When your scan is completed you are free to eat and drink as you would normally. There are no side effects to our injection. You will be radioactive for approximately 6 hours after your injection. During that time we ask that others respect your personal space. Do not allow anyone to sit on your lap or cuddle with you, especially children or pregnant women.

Prior to your appointment, if time permits, you will be mailed paperwork and instructions. Please complete the paperwork and bring it with you to the appointment along with a photo ID and your insurance cards. We do not have oxygen available. If you require oxygen you will need to bring enough with you to last the duration of your appointment.

Learn how to prepare for your PET/CT Scan.
PET/CT Order Form
PET/CT Registration Form

Family and Friends

Family/Friends are not allowed to accompany you once you are done with the registration process. We do have a comfortable waiting room in the CyberKnife Center with coffee available while they wait. Please make arrangements for child care as we cannot be responsible for children left unattended. If you have any questions, please call the PET/CT Scan Team at (316) 269-1738.

Scripting Instructions (Physicians Only)

• The PET/CT Scan order form with the written diagnosis.
• A copy of the insurance card(s), front & back. Please make sure it is a readable copy.
• A copy of the referral you have sent to the insurance company if required.
• An H&P and/or Progress Notes for the most recent visits (preferably 2 months).
• Reports of previous studies pertinent to the patient's diagnosis. (CT, MRI, Pathology)

Please have patient hand-carry their most recent films if they were not done at a Via Christi facility.
Patients will be mailed out paperwork and instructions prior to their appointment, if time permits.
Patients will be called a day or two prior to their appointment to review those instructions and answer any questions.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound uses a probe to send high frequency sound waves into your body, then reads the echoes that return. Sophisticated software then displays an image of the body’s interior.

Learn how to prepare for your ultrasound exam.