Anatomi Imaging Modalities

Types of medical imaging we perform

Learn more about:

MRI MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

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.

360° Virtual Tour Take a Virtual Tour of an MRI at our NE location.
Learn how to prepare for your MRI exam.

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MRI with TRICKS software (for patients with vascular disease)

TRICKS is one of the newest applications introduced by GE to provide the best MRA images available. TRICKS (Time Resolve Imaging of Contrast Kinetics) is an ideal imaging application to identify blood clots and other vascular diseases in the lower extremities.

In the past, it was extremely difficult to obtain the exact timing of a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) exam in order to capture the correct blood flow in the arteries, especially in patients who had poor circulation in the lower legs. Patients could potentially be subjected to additional exams and contrast agents as a result, or physicians could be forced to read exams with inadequate contrast.

TRICKS leverages the powerful processing capabilities of EXCITE since the technique requires about ten times the data volume and 12 times the data processing power of conventional MRA techniques.

TRICKS eliminates the temporal factor of the MRA exam. Just as a video camera records all movement of an event from beginning to end, so can TRICKS acquire all data for an MRA, starting from the time the contrast agent is injected into the patient to the final flow from arteries to veins. This dynamic scan results in higher resolution and contrast while capturing the exact moment physicians need to evaluate.

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

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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.

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

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Open MRI 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.

360° Virtual Tour Take a 360° Tour of an Open MRI at our Ridge location.
Learn what to expect from all types of magnetic resonance exams.
Learn how to prepare for your MRI exam.

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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.

Learn how to prepare for your MRI exam.

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Cardiac MRI and CT

Cardiac MRI and CT 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.
Learn how to prepare for your CT exam.

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MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)

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.

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CT CT (computed tomography)

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.

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FluoroscopyRoutine 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.

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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.

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DEXABone Densitometry (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry – or 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.

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Breast MRIDigital 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.

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PET/CTPET/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

  • Check in: you’ll be asked to fill out a medical history sheet. Please bring insurance cards.
  • You won’t need to change clothes.
  • You’ll be given an IV injection of radioactive glucose or "tracer," there are no side effects or allergic reactions. The goal is even distribution of the tracer throughout your body. Relaxation with minimal movement is best; sleeping is fine.
  • You’ll relax in a comfortable recliner and, if you’re not having a brain scan, TV and music are available.
  • Waiting time after the injection is 45 to 60 minutes. Family cannot be in the room with you because of the rules regarding radioactivity.
  • The PET/CT scanner is similar to a CT scan. The bed moves in segments through the "donut hole." You’ll be asked to lie still.
  • Body scans for tumors take approximately 60 minutes. Brain scans take 30 minutes. Melanoma scans take 120 minutes.
  • A technologist will watch you from behind a window during the scan.
  • You’ll be able to drive after the scan unless you receive Valium.
    • You’re encouraged to drink fluids to flush the tracer out of your system after the scan. You should avoid exposure to small children or pregnant women for a few hours after the scan.

Family and friends

  • People who are not patients are unable to wait in the injection rooms or scan room due to radioactive exposure.
  • Please make arrangements for child care. We cannot be responsible for children left unattended.
  • Food and drinks are available in the Garden Market on the 1st floor of the Medical Center.
  • Family/friends are welcome to remain in the waiting area or to come back when the patient's PET/CT Scan is completed.

If you have any questions, please call the PET/CT Scan Team at (316) 269-1738.

Learn how to prepare for your PET/CT exam.

Scripting Instructions (Physicians Only)

Simply fax the following to 269-1759

  • 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.
  • If the insurance company requires a referral please make sure you obtain one.
  • 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.

Physicians please note: Preferred P.E.T. Imaging of Kansas administers 5 mg Valium to all patients that are referred to us with the following diagnoses: Breast Cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma & Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Esophageal Cancer and Head & Neck Cancer. This is an effort to minimize muscular uptake in the neck and shoulder regions during imaging, to improve sensitivity in detecting supraclavicular lesions. Please inform the patients upon scheduling that they will need to be driven home after this scan.

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Venacure Varicose Vein Removal

No surgery, No Downtime, No Varicose Veins.

If you’ve been avoiding treatment of varicose veins for fear that the only option is surgery, we have good news. Now there’s a new procedure that involves no surgery, no downtime and no hospital stay. It’s done on an outpatient basis in less than two hours with a new laser technology much like that used in eye surgery. And your insurance may even cover it.

While surgery involves considerable preparation, general anesthesia, pain in the affected areas and a lengthy recovery period, venacure eliminates all of that. It’s minimally invasive, meaning the entry point through which your physician gets the laser fiber to the target area is extremely small, not even requiring stitches. There’s only minimal discomfort, virtually no recovery period, and you’ll be up and walking right after the procedure.

In clinical trials, laser treatment has proven 97 percent effective—an outstanding record of success. This means you should experience no reoccurrence in the veins that have been treated. Follow-up procedures may be desired to obtain optimal aesthetic results.

No surgery, no downtime, no varicose veins. If you suffer from this condition, why not do something about it? Ask your doctor if venacure is right for you, then contact Anatomi Imaging to get started.

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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.

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4D Ultrasound Baby Imaging

Careers

Do you have the skills and compassion we’re looking for?
External Applicants Apply Here
Current Via Christi Employees Apply Here

Forms - Patient

For your convenience, many of our patient forms are now available online as PDFs which you can complete and submit from your home computer. Click here to access these forms.

Forms - Doctor

PDF Physician Order Form

PDF 4-D Utrasound Prescription Form/Baby Imaging

PDF PET/CT Scan Order Form

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