Specialty Procedures

Breast MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.  [More Information]

MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)

Since it introduction in 1991, MRCP has evolved to become a rapid, accurate and noninvasive means to evaluate the gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. Studies have shown it to be of equivalent accuracy to the more conventional invasive ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy) in its ability to detect stones, strictures and variant anatomy without the associated complications of ERCP.  [More Information]

MRA

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of producing extremely detailed pictures of body tissues and organs without the need for x-rays. The electromagnetic energy that is released when exposing a patient to radiofrequency waves in a strong magnetic field is measured and analyzed by a computer, which forms two- or three-dimensional images that may be viewed on a TV monitor.  [More Information]

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.  [More Information]

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Mammography is an excellent way to detect breast abnormalities, but in many cases it is not possible to tell from the imaging studies alone whether a growth is benign or cancerous. To make this determination it is necessary to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination. As an alternative to open surgical biopsy, which removes a larger specimen for microscopic analysis, a hollow needle may be passed through the skin into the suspicious lesion with the help of special breast x-rays.  [More Information]

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a new way of treating fibroid tumors of the uterus. Fibroid tumors, also known as myomas, are masses of fibrous and muscle tissue in the uterine wall which are benign, but which may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, or pressure on the bladder or bowel. With angiographic methods similar to those used in heart catheterization, a catheter is placed in each of the two uterine arteries and small particles are injected to block the arterial branches that supply blood to the fibroids.  [More Information]

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is an image-guided, minimally invasive, nonsurgical therapy used to strengthen a broken vertebra (spinal bone) that has been weakened by osteoporosis or, less commonly, cancer. Vertebroplasty can increase the patient's functional abilities, allow a return to the previous level of activity, and prevent further vertebral collapse.  [More Information]