Comprehensive Radiology Services
Mammography - A valuable diagnostic tool in the early detection of breast cancer. This state-of-the-art, low-dose X-ray identifies breast tumors before a woman feels a lump and is used during stereotactic breast biopsy procedures to identify and determine the precise location of suspicious breast tissue.
Diagnostic Radiography (X-ray) - Routine X-ray procedures are used to study many areas of the body, including the extremities, spine, abdomen, chest and pelvis.
Nuclear Medicine - Useful for visualizing specific organs within the body by injecting a radio-pharmaceutical agent into the blood stream. Procedures include heart perfusion, bone, liver, lung and gall bladder scans.
Ultrasound - High-frequency sound waves are passed through the body to produce an image. The West Suburban Medical Center Medical Imaging Department has state-of-the-art, digital equipment to produce images with the greatest detail. Procedures include vascular flow, gynecological, abdominal, intraoperative and neonatal scans.
Fluoroscopy - Real-time imaging used to evaluate specific body areas and organs. Used to study the upper gastrointestinal tract, lower gastrointestinal tract, esophagus and spine.
Angiography - A sophisticated digital imaging device used to study the vascular structure within the body such as the brain, lungs, legs, kidneys or any other area requiring diagnosis or treatment.
Computerized Tomography (CT) - CT scans use X-rays and a computer to visualize the body. The scans produce two-dimensional images of the head, abdomen, pelvis, spine and other parts of the body. Some studies require the ingestion or injection of a dye for an accurate image of the scanned anatomy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - A powerful, advanced diagnostic tool that combines magnetic fields and radio waves with computer technology to create precise and detailed two-dimensional and threedimensional images.
Interventional Radiology Services
The majority of interventional radiology services are minimally invasive, non-surgical and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Services include:
Percutaneous Biopsy - Performed to detect, localize and assess suspicious tissue using computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound or digital guidance.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization - An alternative to a hysterectomy, this procedure involves injecting small particles through a catheter placed in the uterine artery that blocks the blood supply to a fibroid tumor that causes it to shrink.
Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy - A procedure used to treat liver tumors that cannot be surgically removed because of size, location or number. Different treatment options involve making a small incision in the abdomen as well as using Ultrasound or CT Scan guidance. These non-invasive techniques require inserting a catheter into the center of the tumor, applying heat to dissolve the tumor and surrounding tissue.
Vertebroplasty - Used to treat vertebral compression fractures often caused by a weakening of the bone or osteoporosis. An interventional radiologist injects a cement-like substance into a crushed vertebra to stabilize the fracture.
Women’s Imaging Services
Breast Ultrasound - Also known as sonography, breast ultrasound is often used to assess abnormalities with reflected high-frequency sound waves that produce an image.This technique enables imaging from almost any angle and distinguishes between non-cancerous cysts and other masses that may require further evaluation.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy - Removes tissue samples from the breast using a needle.The needle is guided by a computercontrolled system using visual coordinates taken from a mammogram. The examination requires only local anesthesia. In many instances, stereotactic breast biopsies avoid the need for surgery.
Breast MRI - Uses MRI for further evaluation of abnormalities detected on a mammogram or ultrasound. This is useful for evaluating high risk patients for breast cancer and implants.