Radiology

Radiology uses X-rays, radioactive tracers and ultrasonic waves to help physicians detect, diagnose and treat a number of diseases and injuries. Continuing developments in technology, computers and science have advanced our ability to noninvasively view the body's inner structures, tissues and organs.

Comprehensive Radiology Services

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient radiology services using advanced digital equipment, including:

• Ultrasound uses sound waves to develop images of inside a patient's body.
• Diagnostic X-ray uses low doses of radiation to produce images of the body.
• Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to produce a continuous moving image.
• Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material to help diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to obtain detailed images of the inside of a patient's body.
• Computed tomography (CT scan) uses specialized X-ray equipment and computers to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. Each image created by CT scans shows a thin slice of an organ or body part.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) combines CT scanning technology with an iodine-rich contrast material injected into the patient's bloodstream to help identify and locate blood vessel disease or related conditions.
• MR/CT arthroscopy uses MRI and CT to obtain images of a patient's joints.
• Digital radiology is a form of X-ray in which digital sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film to capture images.
• 3D mammography/tomosynthesis can provide more detailed imaging than traditional mammography.
• Interventional radiology allows surgeons to use imaging guided, minimally invasive surgical techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.
• Bone densitometry measures the density of a patient's bones.
• CT biopsy uses CT technology to guide a surgeon as the surgeon uses a thin needle to withdraw a tissue sample from a suspected tumor mass.
• Ultrasound-guided and MRI-guided breast biopsies use either ultrasound or MRI technology to help surgeons locate an abnormal area of the breast for biopsy.
• Preoperative needle localization is a technique in which a tiny guide wire is inserted into the breast to help surgeons locate an abnormality that can be seen on a mammogram but not felt.
• Sentinel lymph node mapping is a procedure that helps physicians learn if a patient's breast cancer has spread beyond the original tumor and into the lymph nodes.
• SIR-Spheres therapy uses radioactive microspheres that are implanted inside a cancerous organ to help destroy cancer cells.

Innovative Technology

We recently added new MRI technology as part of our $28.5 million expansion project. The MRI equipment helps reduce stress for patients during their procedure by using immersive video technology that virtually transports them out of the imaging suite to a relaxing environment of their choice. The innovative equipment also provides 50 percent faster scan times¹ and 60 percent higher resolution¹ and adds Prostate Imaging, Cardiac MRI/MRA and Breast Biopsy Services.

We also offer a low-dose, 80 slice CT Scanner and a brand new suite that provides faster scanning and overall enhanced comfort for the patient. This technology upgrade allows for cardiac scoring and has a higher table weight limit of 600 pounds to make testing accessible to more patients.

American College of Radiology Accreditation

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest organization of radiologists in the nation, in several imaging categories:

• Mammography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Breast
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ultrasound

¹Compared to Philips scans without Compressed SENSE