Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a completely non-invasive imaging procedure used to detect and evaluate arterial vascular disease anywhere in the body. Non-invasive means no injections, catheters, incisions or dyes of any kind are used on the patient during MRA. A new application to high-tech MRI, MRA gives us the tools to easily perform comprehensive, routine vascular studies.

We continually upgrade the performance of our three MR systems to give the patient state-of-the-art MRI technology.

Spiral Computed Tomography (Spiral CT) an imaging modality which combines X-ray pictures which are processed by

Facial Bone CT Click Photo To View Our CT Suite Download Ipix plug-in (The Ipix plug-in will allow you to enter into our suite and look around for yourself)

a computer to create topographic, or cross sectional images. These images can be combined to produce a 3 Dimensional Image. CT scanning is very sensitive to bone making it a good imaging choice for detecting fractures and visualizing particularly small bones such as facial bones. The CT's ability to take cross sectional images allows the visualization of many organs. Injections of an iodine contrast media are used to highlight a particular area of interest. Other advantages of S.W. Florida Regional Imaging Spiral CT are the extremely shortened scanning times, (over half the scanning time of conventional CT) minimize the time the patient must remain on the exam table and provide for quicker diagnosis.

Breast Implant Normal Tissue Click Photo To View Our Mammography Suite Download Ipix plug-in (The Ipix plug-in will allow you to enter into our suite and look around for yourself)

Mammography is a x-ray procedure that produces an image of the breast. Mammography is the best medical tool available for the early detection of breast cancer. It is a simple procedure, all of which takes place in our discrete and private mammography suite. Our registered technologist, specially trained in mammography, will x-ray both breasts from the side and from above. Compression of the breast is used to expose as much of the tissue as possible. Occasionally this is uncomfortable, but rarely painful. When scheduling an exam, please inform us if you have had a previous mammogram, so that we may have your films available for comparison. We also recommend you not use deodorant, powders, ointment, or perfume on your breast or underarm area before your mammogram. These substances leave a residue that can be detected by x-rays, distorting the image. S.W Florida Imaging uses the latest technology in film speed and mammography equipment in order to reduce the radiation dose to a minimum. The Imaging Center was the first in Charlotte County to offer "Low-dose Mammography".

Stereotactic Breast Biopsies As you know, The Imaging center at Southwest Florida Regional Imaging has been at the forefront in diagnostic technology in Charlotte County. We are now happy and proud to introduce our newest service. We now have the ability to do digital spot mammography and stereotactic imaging of the breast. Stereotactic digital imaging allows localization of abnormal mammographic findings so that a minimally invasive biopsy procedure can be performed using either a TruCut Biopsy Gun or vacuum assisted Mammotome core procedure. We have always advocated appropriate screening with annual mammography, monthly self-breast examinations and annual clinical breast examination. A stereotactic breast biopsy is an ambulatory office procedure in which a small incision is made requiring no suturing for closure. Most times the patient is able to return to her usual activities the very next day. The procedure is well tolerated and relatively quick. Complications are minimal. The radiologists at The Imaging Center are board certified with extensive training in breast imaging both during residency and yearly participation in breast imaging conferences. I recently took part in an intensive breast ultrasound course and will be performing ultrasound guided breast biopsies. This is also an office procedure with minimal complications and is an extremely well tolerated procedure. Ultrasound allows rapid evaluation of no palpable breast masses found mammographically as well as evaluation of palpable abnormalities not apparent mammographically. The sonographic biopsy is also a minimally invasive procedure using either a hand held Mammotome device or a TruCut biopsy Core Gun in which a tiny incision is made requiring no sutures for closure. Annual screening mammography is still the mainstay for early detection of breast cancer and has clearly been shown to reduce the rate of breast cancer mortality. Once an abnormality if found, we would like to help expedite the pathological diagnosis. Whether it be with a stereotactic core biopsy, ultrasound guided breast biopsy or a mammographic localization for an open surgical procedure, we are able to participate in the rapid determination of the diagnosis. We at The Imaging Center strive to provide you and your patients the most professional and technological advanced services and are always available for consultations.

Ultrasound refers to sound waves having a frequency higher than what a human can hear. At this level, it is called "ultra". These ultrasound waves are transmitted in short bursts and the resulting echoes produce images which are displayed on a monitor. Ultrasound can be used to examine many different parts of the body, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, carotids as well as fetal ultrasound and prostate cancer screening.

Fetal Ultrasound Click Photo To View Video Click here to view our Ultrasound suite. Download Ipix plug-in (The Ipix plug-in will allow you to enter into our suite and look around for yourself)

Color Doppler, is used to

Carotid Ultrasound

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view the vascular system in color which gives us a much clearer image of how blood is flowing through the veins. The carotid artery works in tandem with the jugular vein in supplying blood to the brain. Carotid Ultrasound allows us to track the circulation of blood through these important pathways. We are able to clearly view any abnormalities such as blood clots or plaque build up in the walls of the vessels, which can signal potential problems.

Click Photo To View Our General Radiology Suite Download Ipix plug-in (The Ipix plug-in will allow you to enter into our suite and look around for yourself) General Radiology is a medical procedure using x-rays to help identify disease or injury inside the body. Radiology has come a long way since it's invention in 1869. It has become extremely specialized. At S.W. Florida Regional Imaging radiology is our specialty, our physicians are board certified and our technologist are nationally registered and licensed. General Radiology is an important medical tool in diagnosing illness and disease.

Dexa

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Getting shorter may be just the beginning. Because the bone has become weak, bone loss may lead to small breaks in the spine. These breaks can occur at any time, caused by something as minor as coughing or lifting a bag of groceries. As a result of the gradual accumulation of many of these small breaks, people get shorter. Some people are completely unaware of this happening. They may only notice that their pants seem a bit too long or their clothes don't quite fit the same way. Few people understand that losing a couple of inches in height means that they may have osteoporosis. But eventually, they can have trouble moving around, feel a lot of pain, and even develop a deformed, curved back (known as "Dowager's hump).

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Your doctor may be able to tell from certain signs and symptoms if you have osteoporosis. These can include back pain, height loss, a curving spine, a broken bone or as history of broken bones. The disease may also show up on an x-ray.

Bone density tests are the most practical way to accurately measure the density of your bones. Bone density tests are useful in helping your doctor diagnose osteoporosis, particularly in the early stages before broken bones occur. When tests are repeated over time, they can also help your doctor trace your rate of bone loss. There are several types of bone density tests available. They are fast, safe and painless; and some only take a few minutes. If you have any concern all about osteoporosis, ask your doctor whether a bone density test is right for you.

Heart Scoring Heart Scoring is a new screening test to detect heart disease in its earliest stages utilizing our new state-of-the-art technology. SWFL Regional Imaging is pleased to announce our Early Detection Program (EDP for short) which utilizes our new sophisticated "Multi-slice, Multi-detector Spiral Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) scanner" to detect a serious disease process before signs and symptoms appear.

Heart Scoring, which is also known as calcium scoring, uses our "Multi-slice CT" scanner to identify calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits (plaques) are markers for atherosclerosis (the narrowing of arteries that is responsible for heart attacks). For some people, the first sign of heart disease is a fatal heart attack and thus the need to identify the risk of heart disease early to take preventative measures before the development of symptoms such as chest pain. In the United States, every minute someone dies from a heart attack and nearly a third of these victims have no warning signs. Heart Scoring measures the amount of calcium levels, an individuals risk factors for heart disease can be modified.

SWFL Regional Imaging / Navix has made a commitment to offer Early Detection Program to the community for detecting calcium levels within the coronary arteries. Utilizing our new Multi-slice CT" scanner, images of your heart are taken and evaluated. Heart Scoring is a painless and Non-invasive screening exam. Heart scoring is for people who do not have any symptoms of heart disease or who have not been diagnosed with heart problems. If you are experiencing chest pain, or feel that you may be having the symptoms of a heart attack, then you must seek immediate medical attention.

If you are interested, call our Imaging Center for an appointment. You will be interviewed by our EDP coordinator to determine eligibility for the scan. The overall process (registering to results_ can take approximately an hour or less. No contrast media such as injections (dyes) will be given for this "screening" exam. When you arrive, you technologist will ask you to lay on the scanners table. EKG monitoring electrodes will be placed on your skin (chest area) to monitor your heartbeat. The scanner table will move into position, the CT scan imaging sequence will begin (a few breath holds)

Some physicians agree that prevention / early detection is the key and with this comes renewed interest in detecting heart disease early utilizing "multi-slice helical (spiral) computed axial tomography" (CT) technology. This form of body imaging (scan) can provide images with relatively high resolution along with low levels of radiation exposure, as this technology uses x-rays to obtain the images.

At the present time , the healthcare industry does not recognize the use of CT for screening and therefore is not reimbursable by the insurance carriers. Several large-scale studies are on-going to help determine the effectiveness so that one day it may be considered common practice. The fee will be collected at the time of your CT scan appointment, and can be paid by cash, check or credit card. The scan costs $250 which includes the fees for both the technical (scan) and the professional (physician interpretation) components. You will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibility for payment.

The radiologists of SWFL Regional Imaging / Navix will provide you with the results. A report will be forwarded to your physician. If your study is essentially negative, then recommendations may be made for screenings on an annual basis.

There may be times where the radiologist may recommend further "diagnostic" workup to take a closer look at irregular or suspicious areas seen on the "screening" study. Your physician will be notified of this that further workup can be covered by your insurance through your physician (not radiologist). NO single test can find everything that can be abnormal in the body.

Again at this time, traditional medical insurance does not cover CT screenings. Medicare and other medical insurance companies will only cover procedures considered reasonable and necessary for individuals under the care of a family physician for a known medical problem. Thus if you need further testing, under the direction of your physician, additional workup can be done. Our radiologists will discuss with you the findings. You will also be provided with your results so that your personal care physician can review them. We have a referral service in place to help with further medical evaluation that may be required, if you do not have a physician.

It is important that you follow-up with any medical recommendations made to you. We are concerned with your health as as you choose to be concerned, by seeking to have a CT scan offered through our Early Detection Program. Utilizing "Multi-slice" CT focusing on the heart, it is a system designed to be an early detection system for silent but potentially deadly disease process. The detection of calcium generally indicates at least some coronary disease. If no calcium is present, there is a high probability that you do not have coronary disease. Heart scoring looks for calcified plaque and doesn't see non-calcified plaque which can cause obstruction. Heart Scoring is a screening test used to assess for calcified plaque (calcium build-up) with the heart's arteries.

EDP-Heart Scoring helps individuals monitor their health and to help assure continued wellness for wellness conscious people. Heart Scoring is beneficial to individuals 40 and older having multiple risk factors such as:

To schedule an appointment call 637-XRAY (9729)
Outside Charlotte County 1-800-338-9146