Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital has recently acquired a Toshiba America Medical Systems Xario ultrasound system adding to its growing list of diagnostic services. The Toshiba Xario is an award winning system offering the latest in advanced imaging capabilities. Ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves to interrogate the soft tissues of the body. Originally developed from the SONAR that ships use to detect structures beneath the surface of the water, ultrasound produces images of the organs and soft tissue structures, and uses sophisticated Doppler techniques to measure blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. Ultrasound is safe (does not use radiation) and has no side effects, and is covered by all major insurance carriers.
At Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital ultrasound is used to detect and monitor the following conditions:
Heart & Vascular Disease (Echocardiography)
Ultrasound of the heart can measure the heart chambers, visualize valve abnormalities, determine the pumping efficiency of the heart and detect damage to the heart muscle. By imaging the carotid arteries, ultrasound can detect plaque and blockage of the arteries (stenosis). Additionally ultrasound can determine whether blood clots (thrombus) exist in the veins of the legs providing physicians with crucial information, leading to appropriate treatment.
Abdominal Disorders
Ultrasound is used to exam organ–related disorders of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys, such as liver dysfunction, gallstones and kidney dysfunction.
Gynecology/Pregnancy
Most patients are aware of the major role ultrasound plays in the assessment of pregnancy and the evaluation of the fetus. Ultrasound is also used to detect a wide array of gynecological problems, such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, pelvic masses, etc, by providing detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvis.
Breast Imaging
Ultrasound also plays an important role in breast imaging by characterizing masses that are detected by mammography, as well as providing an alternative for women under 40 who have dense breast that are more difficult to study with mammography.
Other organs commonly evaluated by ultrasound include the thyroid, testicles, muscles, eyes, and virtually any soft tissue in the body.
As a patient it is important to know that your ultrasound study at C. A. Dean Memorial Hospital will be performed by a Sonographer, certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). As a member of EMHS, ultrasound images are sent electronically to Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) for interpretation by a Radiologist, specifically trained to interpret the ultrasound images, providing timely turnaround in results.
As an advocate for access to high quality healthcare, C.A. Dean is pleased to offer this service locally. For more information about ultrasound services available at C.A. Dean, please call Glenn Beebe, Imaging Manager at 695-5237. Charles. A. Dean Memorial Hospital is a proud member of EMHS, an advocate and leader in providing high quality healthcare. |
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