Radiology Procedures
AAA Repair
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening enlargement of the aorta, the main artery of the body that supplies blood to all organs. The minimally invasive endovascular repair of AAA has many benefits for patients.
Angiogram
Through fluoroscopy, a catheter is guided from a vessel in the arm, neck or groin to the desired point in the body. Then, dye is injected into the vessel(s) and several fluoroscopic projections are examined for further analysis.
CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a special type of X-ray that can produce detailed pictures of structures inside the body.
DEXA Scan
Bones naturally become thinner as you grow older. Excessive bone loss can result in osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measures bone mineral density on bones of the lower spine and hip. If bone density is lower than normal, steps can be taken to increase bone strength and reduce the risk of fracture.
Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray of the breast to detect breast cancer. R2 Reader is a computer-aided detection system that helps radiologists read mammograms. Learn more about mammography.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a procedure which gathers information about your body and, through the use of a computer, sends it as a record for your doctor to see without X-rays.
PET/CT
PET/CT imaging provides physicians with information about the body's chemistry, cell function and location of disease. It provides information not available through CT, MRI or X-ray. Learn more about how this exam works.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to make still and live video pictures of the heart, digestive, reproductive or urinary tracts and other soft tissue structures within the body. New 3D/4D ultrasound technology is now being used at MeritCare for urology and obstetrical exams.
X-Ray
X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, which can be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body.