Advanced Imaging Center of Imperial Valley

11/15/2021

10/23/2020

And find out why it's not a good idea to skip one

03/27/2020

6 tips to fit in your work out, no gym required: https://cle.clinic/2WqiCxX

01/18/2020

Research Points to Benefits of 3D Mammography

Digital tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, has emerged as an effective breast imaging tool. 3D mammography combines conventional 2-dimensional mammogram images with additional 3-dimensional views. This enables enhanced views of breast tissue and research suggests 3D mammography offers several benefits over conventional 2D mammography.

Improved Cancer Detection Rate & Reduced Recall Rate
Numerous studies have shown the benefit of 3D mammography over conventional 2D mammography. Both prospective and retrospective trials have shown a significant increase in cancer detection and a decrease in recall rate with 3D mammography.

One prospective randomized trial, published April 2013 in Radiology by Skaane et al.[1] compared 3D and 2D mammography in more than 12,000 patients. Researchers determined a 27 percent increase in cancer detection with 3D mammography. A study of more than 7,000 patients, published June 2013 in The Lancet Oncology,[2] showed an increase in cancer detection of 50 percent.

In addition to improving cancer detection rates, research shows 3D mammography leads to fewer recalls than conventional 2D mammography. Two separate studies with more than 13,000 patients each showed a 30 to 37 percent decrease in recall rates. These were published December 2013 in Radiology[3] and June 2013 in American Journal of Roentgenology.[4]

The largest study to compare 3D mammography and 2D mammography included more than 450,000 patients. Results were published June 2014 in JAMA by Friedewald et al.[5] Researchers determined that 3D mammography led to a 15 percent decrease in recall rate along with a 29 percent increase in cancer detection. More importantly, detection of invasive cancers improved by 41 percent. This shows cancers being detected by 3D mammography are clinically important cancers.

What 3D Mammography Means for Patients
Improved cancer detection and reduced recall rates associated with 3D mammography are obvious benefits to patients. 3D mammography could be especially beneficial in certain patients, such as those with dense breast tissue, family history and other risk factors.

Radiation doses from 3D mammography and 2D mammography are approximately the same. Exposure from combined 2D and 3D mammography exams, as well as 3D mammography exams alone, fall within FDA-approved limits. Thus, 3D mammography is deemed safe and does not pose a significant risk to women. Undergoing a 3D mammography exam is similar to receiving conventional 2D mammography. Cost of a 3D mammography exam is also comparable. Additionally, because of the reduced recall rate associated with 3D mammography, this is expected to have long-term cost-effectiveness.

If you have questions about 3D mammography, please contact us.

[1] Skaane et al. “Comparison of Digital Mammography Alone and Digital Mammography Plus Tomosynthesis in a Population-Based Screening Program.” Radiology. April 2013. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.12121373

[2] Ciatto et al. “Integration of 3D Digital Mammography with Tomosynthesis for Population Breast Cancer Screening (STROM): A Prospective Study.” The Lancet Oncology. June 2013. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70134-7/

[3] Haas et al. “Comparison of Tomosynthesis Plus Digital Mammography and Digital Mammography Alone for Breast Cancer Screening.” Radiology. December 2013. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiol.13130307

[4] Rose et al. “Implementation of Breast Tomosynthesis in a Routine Screening Practice: An Observational Study.” American Journal of Roentgenology. June 2013. http://www.ajronline.org/doi/abs/10.2214/AJR.12.9672

[5] Friedewald et al. “Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination with Digital Mammography.” JAMA. June 2014. http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1883018

01/17/2020

Introducing The Newest, Most Advanced, State-Of –The-Art GE 128 Slice CT Scanner at VO MEDICAL CENTER.

For patients requiring a CT examination, and in particular for those requiring cardiac, brain or peripheral vascular examination, the state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scanner takes advantage of the latest advances in CT imaging technology to provide increased speed and detailed information, better diagnostic care, greater convenience and improved patient comfort.

Engineered for both speed and accuracy, the GE 128-slice CT scanner at VO MEDICAL CENTER is the ONLY advanced CT scanner of this type in Imperial County. It represents our continued commitment to deliver the very best in diagnostic imaging to patients.

At VO MEDICAL CENTER, 128-slice CT imaging has ushered in a new era of diagnostic imaging and new non-invasive procedures such as Coronary Angiography (CTA). The high speed scanner provides our radiologists with the ability to see more anatomical detail in a fraction of the time previously required with conventional CT while simplifying sophisticated cardiovascular and brain examinations and making them non- invasive and virtually pain free.

For certain patients, angiography of the heart, brain and peripheral vascular system no longer require the use of catheters threaded through arteries and veins to inject x-ray contrast to provide a diagnostic image. With the 128–slice scanner, the x-ray contrast is administered through an IV in a patient’s arm and the tremendous speed and computing power of the scanner automatically coordinates the injection of the contrast in concert with the scanner’s imaging hardware to produce exquisitely detailed images of even the smallest arteries and related structures.

Benefits

For cardiac patients in particular, the benefits are significant:
• Acute chest pain can be evaluated quickly with a single scan.
• The test can take as little as 10 minutes from scan to diagnosis instead of hours, and can potentially avoid other tests such as stress testing, ECG studies, and blood testing.
• The scanner’s speed shortens the length of time patients must hold their breath - from 17 seconds to just 9.
• Images of the beating heart in real time permit the evaluation of heart valves and related structures.
• Since cardiac catheterization is no longer required, there are fewer risks and complications.
• Since there is no recovery time involved, patients can leave when their exam is completed.
• The procedure is less expensive than traditional angiography helping to control cost.

For for information or to set up appointment for your CT scan, please call us at 760-352-2551.

01/17/2020

Introducing our Newest, Most Advanced, State-Of –The-Art GE 128 Slice CT Scanner at VO MEDICAL CENTER.

For patients requiring a CT examination, and in particular for those requiring cardiac, brain or peripheral vascular examination, the state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scanner takes advantage of the latest advances in CT imaging technology to provide increased speed and detailed information, better diagnostic care, greater convenience and improved patient comfort.

Engineered for both speed and accuracy, the GE 128-slice CT scanner at VO MEDICAL CENTER is the ONLY advanced CT scanner of this type in Imperial County. It represents our continued commitment to deliver the very best in diagnostic imaging to patients.

At VO MEDICAL CENTER, 128-slice CT imaging has ushered in a new era of diagnostic imaging and new non-invasive procedures such as Coronary Angiography (CTA). The high speed scanner provides our radiologists with the ability to see more anatomical detail in a fraction of the time previously required with conventional CT while simplifying sophisticated cardiovascular and brain examinations and making them non- invasive and virtually pain free.

For certain patients, angiography of the heart, brain and peripheral vascular system no longer require the use of catheters threaded through arteries and veins to inject x-ray contrast to provide a diagnostic image. With the 128–slice scanner, the x-ray contrast is administered through an IV in a patient’s arm and the tremendous speed and computing power of the scanner automatically coordinates the injection of the contrast in concert with the scanner’s imaging hardware to produce exquisitely detailed images of even the smallest arteries and related structures.

Benefits

For cardiac patients in particular, the benefits are significant:
• Acute chest pain can be evaluated quickly with a single scan.
• The test can take as little as 10 minutes from scan to diagnosis instead of hours, and can potentially avoid other tests such as stress testing, ECG studies, and blood testing.
• The scanner’s speed shortens the length of time patients must hold their breath - from 17 seconds to just 9.
• Images of the beating heart in real time permit the evaluation of heart valves and related structures.
• Since cardiac catheterization is no longer required, there are fewer risks and complications.
• Since there is no recovery time involved, patients can leave when their exam is completed.
• The procedure is less expensive than traditional angiography helping to control cost.

For for information or to set up appointment for your CT scan, please call us at 760-352-2551.

08/11/2019

If you are at risk for , your physician can order a DXA Scan to assess the strength of your bones. DXA is a simple, painless exam using a low level of radiation that calculates the mineral density of bone.
While some risk factors, like gender, age and genetics can’t be changed, diet and lifestyle choices can! If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and are able to start moving more – do! Weight-bearing exercise like walking or hiking, dancing, strength training, or anything else that gets you on your feet more often will help you build stronger bones. Bones are smart! When you make physical demands on them, they respond and become denser and more resistant to fracture. However, it’s important to speak with your healthcare providers about the best exercise for you, especially if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, as certain movements could increase your risk of fracture.
Calcium and vitamin D are both critically important nutrients for bone health, but so are vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium and more. There is even a class of phytochemicals called carotenes that also appear to play a role in bone health. These include lycopene, which is concentrated in red and pink fruits and veggies; lutein, found predominantly in leafy greens; and zeaxanthin, found in orange peppers, mangoes, egg yolks, and oranges. Filling at least half of your plate at lunch and dinner with a variety of vegetables and fruits (think the colors of the rainbow) will help you get many of the nutrients your bones need. Magnesium-packed whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans are also important components of a bone-healthy diet, as are good sources of calcium, including greens, low fat dairy and calcium-fortified plant-based milks and juices.

08/11/2019

Is Screening Right For Me?
If you are at high risk for lung cancer, a new screening called low-dose computer tomography ( ) helps doctors find lung cancer before there are symptoms. LDCT is a quick, painless low-dose radiation screening that can help detect lung cancer at its earliest stages. LDCT screening has been proven to save lives by finding lung cancer early.

We are proud to offer Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings (LDCT).

08/11/2019

ADVANCE RADIOLOGY SERVICES INCLUDE:
X-RAY
ULTRA SOUND
BONE DENSITY SCAN
3-D MAMMOGRAM
CT SCAN.