St. John’s Lutheran Hospital adds 3D/4D Ultrasound system
Latest breakthrough in ultrasound imaging technology
by St. John’s Lutheran Hospital
April 18, 2011
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby recently announced that it has acquired the iU22 3D/4D ultrasound system from Philips Medical Systems, providing advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with an intelligent system interface that streamlines ultrasound exams for patients and clinicians.
"Imagine viewing your child for the first time inside the womb in 3D/4D, vision," commented KC Hoyer, Marketing Manager at St. John’s. "The images of the baby just come to life. From a yawn to a stretch, or the beating of the baby's heart, this new 3D/4D technology provides new parents with a realistic first look at their baby's first movements in the womb. The new technology has many more uses than just obstetrics, but the baby pictures are our favorite."
Because it can be used in the most delicate conditions without major side effects, ultrasound has become one of the most popular diagnostic methods among both patients and physicians. The technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of the body’s internal soft tissue structures. It provides a safe, fast, and relatively painless means of diagnostic imaging on an outpatient basis.
"Ultrasound imaging is hugely beneficial because it is a relatively low cost and non-invasive way to look inside the body," stated David Broderick, Imaging Department Manager at SJLH. "With the new Philips system, we are acquiring an extremely high level of diagnostic information and can provide answers for our patients more quickly and easily. Plus, results from the ultrasound exam often reduce the need for more invasive procedures."
This particular ultrasound machine features 4D (or real-time 3D) imaging technology that allows patients to view their baby in the womb, as well as other internal organs, as if they were being held in the hands. "The big news is the 3D/4D technology," stated Grant Crawford, lead ultrasonographer at SJLH. "This feature is what produces the keepsake photos that are so exciting for expectant parents. However, the system’s powerful imaging capabilities support a variety of other common exams, including vascular, thyroid, and testicular exams. It also offers imaging capabilities specifically beneficial in the evaluations of breast masses."
The new ultrasound system has the potential to make ultrasound exams much faster; help patients and their physicians better visualize and understand their condition; help identify the nature of suspicious breast lesions sooner; reduce or eliminate the need for more expensive or invasive tests and procedures; and provide clearer ultrasound images, especially in difficult-to-image patients. Plus, the adjustable, articulating flat screen LCD monitor allows patients the ability to better see images during scanning. The system can also be operated by intelligent voice-command when the ultrasound technologist is in tight quarters or needs both hands for scanning.
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital is pleased to be able to offer this important improvement in healthcare technology. "This is a top of the line piece of equipment in the ultrasound world today," added Broderick. "It is considered the ultimate standard in ultrasound quality and technology. St. John’s was fortunate enough to negotiate a deal on the demo unit which came fully loaded with all the bells and whistles at a fraction of the showroom price. This is an acquisition that has been in the works for nearly two years, and the time is finally right. We are always so careful to be fiscally conservative and responsible in our equipment purchases." Broderick concluded, "This is definitely the right time to move light years ahead and acquire an ultrasound machine that will carry us for many years into the future."
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