Advanced Medical Technologies
Cardiac CTA
64 slice CT scanner provides 3 dimensional images of the heart and coronary arteries. These images allow physicians to see each of the coronary arteries in detail to determine if either calcium or fatty deposits called plaque have built up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This is the main cause of heart attacks and can be treated if caught early enough. The Cardiac CTA's are non-invasive, involve less risk, and are more cost-effective that traditional cardiac catheterization. They are most appropriate for patients who have intermediate to high risk profiles for coronary artery disease based on family hsitory; people who have experienced atypical chest pain; people who exhibit unusual symptoms for coronary artery disease; and for patients who have had unclear or inconclusive stress test results. Cardiac CTA's are especially helpful for evaluating coronary risk in patients scheduled to have major non-cardiac surgery.
Athens Regional Medical CenterCT Scan
The GE 64 slice CT Scanner System is one of the most powerful imaging tools available. Results are faster and images of the body are reconstructed into 3 different planes allowing the physician to see anatomy from 3 different viewpoints. A major benefit of the CT scanner is the ability to provide noninvasive coronary artery evaluation of the heart, much like a cardiac catheterization. Computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) can also be performed to get a clearer image of the entire arterial system throughout the body and aid in the diagnosis of arterial stenosis and disease.
Extracorporeal Lithotripsy
Non-surgical, shock wave procedure for removal of kidney stones. Shock waves travel through water in which patient is immersed, harmlessly penetrating the body, but pulverizing kidney stones. Involves minimal pain and only 3 to 4 day recovery time.
Laparoscopy
Surgery that is only minimally invasive, involving insertion of a tiny device with a viewing camera mounted on the end into the patient that allows the doctor to perform the surgery while watching the procedure on television. Recovery time is much shorter than invasive surgery, and most patients go home the same day.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Athens Regional Medical Center offers the first and only state-of-the-art 1.5T High Speed Plus LX Magnet in East Tennessee. It is driven by the best computer software available and is equipped with the 8 channel Excite gradient package. It is the fastest, most powerful MRI on the market. The scanner can show subtle changes in the body caused by cancer and other diseases, often earlier and more clearly than other forms of diagnostic testing. It is also excellent for orthopedic applications such as shoulders with rotator cuff tear, football or sports knee injuries and all kinds of spine work. No special preparations are necessary for this painless, non-invasive procedure other than removal of all metal jewelry and objects from the patients.
Mammography (ACR Accredited)
Athens Regional Breast Center offers the Senographe Essential Full-field digital mammography system. It provides superior imagery for a more accurate diagnosis. The actual exam is more comfortable and much faster for the patient with results immediately available to the radiologists for diagnosis. This advanced system of mammography is the latest tool available in the fight against breast cancer.
Nuclear Scan
Nuclear Medicine is performed using the highest level of technology in digital detector scintillation cameras capable of imaging internal organs or who body surveys.
Sleep Diagnostic Systems
The Sleep Lab at Athens Regional Medical Center helps diagnose sleep disorders that cause sleep deprivation. Patients must be referred by a physician to be tested.
Ultrasound
Ultra sound is available to determine fetal age or abnormalties. Vascular ultrasound and echocardiograms are also performed to aid physicians in patient assessments.
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