Overview

Overview

Union Hospital's Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging Department offers most major technologies available today to create high-quality images for the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. Among the imaging methods available are:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Union Hospital's MRI combines the ability to produce highly detailed images with a more open design, allowing larger patients the same high-quality imaging capabilities as smaller patients, and is less confining to claustrophobic patients. For making images of muscles, ligaments, nerves, the spinal cord and brain, MRI – magnetic resonance imaging – has been the overwhelming choice of doctors.

Union Hospital uses a Seimens Espree 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system. This new generation of MRI combines the high-field magnet power to produce highly detailed images with an "open bore”"design. A 2 ½ foot wide bore opening allows larger patients access to the same high-quality imaging capabilities, while claustrophobic patients will no longer have the ceiling of the magnet next to their nose.

This new MRI not only overcomes the limitations of small openings, but provides increased comfort for all patients. The increased power of the magnet produces sharper images of larger individuals. Patients can be scanned in a matter of minutes without having to be repositioned multiple times. For many it will be similar to having a CT scan.

With nearly 3,700 MRI scans done at Union Hospital last year, improved MRI service will have a major impact on the health of our community.

The MRI at Union Hospital is conveniently located in a new addition to the hospital's Radiology Department and is operated by hospital staff.

Mammography Center

Mammography Center

Union Hospital was one of the first hospitals in Ohio to offer digital mammography. Now, we are leading the way again, offering 3D Mammography. The hospital's 3D Digital Breast Mammography screening unit is the standard for all patients who receive an annual mammogram, and is a powerful mammography tool for early detection. This new technology also will help in eliminating unnecessary callbacks and provides greater detail and visibility than previous units.

Statistics show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, making it the second most common cancer in American women, according to the American Cancer Society. It also has been well documented that early detection remains the key to the successful treatment of breast cancer.

Overall, 3D Digital Mammography has shown a 41 percent increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers compared to traditional technology and an up to 40 percent reduction in reported false results. The image produced from 3D Digital Mammography provides a radiologist with greater visibility of breast tissue than ever before, allowing for a more confident assessment of the results. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of breast tissue in a flat image as with traditional mammography, fine details are more visible in 3D Digital Mammography and are no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.

FAQs

What is a 3D mammography breast exam?

A 3D mammography breast exam is very similar to a traditional breast exam. During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of the breast tissue, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible.

Why is there a need for tomosynthesis breast exams? What are the benefits?

With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area. By looking at the breast tissue in 3D, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a "second look," because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.

What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?

A screening mammogram is the annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask a patient to come back for follow-up images, which is called a diagnostic mammogram, to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be re-evaluated.

What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?

3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds longer for each view.

Is there a higher radiation dose?

Very low X-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film.

Who can have a 3D mammography exam?

It is approved for all patients who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology

Specially trained doctors use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease. These procedures are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, are less painful with shorter recovery times, and less costly than traditional surgery around the country and at Union Hospital.

Interventional Radiology (IR) at Union Hospital is located in the Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Department just inside the Main Entrance on the hospital’s first floor. Our facility is utilized by doctors from the Radiology Department and Vascular Surgeons.

Advantages of Interventional Radiology

  • Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.
  • General anesthesia usually is not required.
  • Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly reduced, compared to surgery.
  • The procedures are sometimes less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.

Procedures

Vascular procedures include:

  • Angiogram.
  • Angioplasty.
  • Atherectomy.
  • Central venous catheter access.
  • Dialysis arterial venous shunt.
  • IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) filter placement.
  • Vascular embolization.

Non-vascular procedures include:

  • Abscess drainage tube.
  • Biliary drainage tube.
  • Biopsy.
  • Chest tube placement.
  • Kyphoplasty.
  • Nephrostomy tube/ureteral tube placement.