X-ray

General x-ray services are available at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Conventional radiography (x-ray) is a simple, painless procedure that enables the radiologist to analyze the bony and soft tissue anatomy for diagnosis. The average x-ray study takes 15 to 20 minutes.

St. Mary’s has two general and two  fluoroscopy suites offering comprehensive x-ray imaging. These are in addition to portable and surgical diagnostic general x-ray services.

Services include: CR (Computed Radiography) and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). Now images can be captured, digitized, sent and stored for assessment. The process of digitizing images makes St. Mary’s diagnostic imaging a totally filmless environment.

X-rays are digitized and transmitted into the GE Centricity IW PACS system for radiologist/physician review throughout the various areas of the hospital (patient floors, ER, surgery, ICU), or to the physician’s office or home. This means faster review of results for the physician and patient.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Your MRI exam

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is an advanced diagnostic technique that produces very clear pictures, or images, of the human body without the use of X-ray. This technology enables physicians to detect developing diseases or abnormalities earlier than ever before.

MRI uses a powerful, safe, magnetic field and radio waves, like the kind that transmit your favorite FM music. The combination of radio waves and magnetic field produces detailed images of body structures such as the brain, spine and other vital organs.

What to expect during the MRI exam

The technologist will ask you to lie on a cushioned table, which will automatically move into the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned for scanning. The technologist will leave the magnet room, but you will be in constant contact with each other throughout the entire exam.

When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound, which will last for several minutes. Just relax, listen to music, even take a nap, but try to lie as still as possible since any movement during this time will blur the picture.

Other than sound, you should experience no other sensation during scanning. When scanning is completed, the technologist will return to assist you off of the table.

Patient checklist for MRI

Prior to your exam, please review the following:

• Please bring previous X-rays applicable to the exam. The radiologist may want to review them. (For example: If you are having an MRI of the knee, bring any previous X-rays of your knee.)
• You CAN eat and drink prior to the exam.
• You CANNOT have the exam if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Cerebral aneurysm clips
  • Certain heart valves
  • Cochlear implants
  • Metal filings in the eye
  • Metal implants
  • Pacemaker

• You will be asked a series of questions concerning your surgical and occupational background. If this history includes metal work (For example: welders, grinders, etc.) or metal implants, please be sure to tell the technologist prior to your exam. Preliminary X-rays may need to be taken.
• Relax and do not worry about the exam!

MRA (MR Angiography)

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is the use of MRI imaging of vessels after the injection of a radiopaque contrast material. Unlike conventional angiography, which is an invasive procedure, MRI angiography breaks the skin only for the insertion of a needle for administering the radiopaque contrast. This technique is used to image arteries in the brain, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, aorta, neck, chest, limbs and pulmonary system.

CT Scan

Computerized Tomography (CT) images of the body are "cross-sectional," patterned much like slices of bread. By taking a series of images, a CT scan can create a multi-dimensional view of your body. CT scans are used to noninvasively diagnose a wide range of medical conditions that can affect organs and structures of the body. Certain disease processes and structures of the body are seen more clearly with the CT scanner than with routine X-rays.

A patient's physician may request a CT exam as a primary test or as a follow-up study after reviewing regular X-ray films. The scans at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center are performed by Oklahoma State-licensed, registered technologists with specialized training. These technologists work under the supervision of board-certified radiologists. St. Mary's currently has two CT scanners – Philips MX 8000 (4 slice) scanner and a General Electric VCT (64 slice scanner),

64-Slice CT Scan

General Electric Medical's VCT 64-slice CT system at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center helps to pinpoint disease at earlier stages and provides doctors more information for planning appropriate treatment. Much faster than the average CT technology, this advanced CT can capture thousands of images in seconds. The 64-slice CT is used for many different tests including CT angiography, vascular studies, neurologic exams and 3-D reconstruction of various organs in the body.

The 64-slice CT is so fast that it can capture exceptionally clear pictures of the heart while it's beating. This increased speed facilitates data acquisition from patients who have higher heart rates or from those who have difficulty holding their breath during imaging, such as elderly or pediatric patients.

When physicians obtain such detailed images of the anatomy, they can make more informed diagnostic decisions in a noninvasive manner. And, the fast turnaround time can lead to quicker intervention and treatment, when necessary.

The GE VCT 64 allows for optimal evaluation of any organ system in the body and the vessels. This permits 3D reconstruction of these systems with superb imaging results. St. Mary's offers clinical imaging excellence "close to home."