Medical Imaging
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
 Computed Tomography (CT) uses an x-ray tube and detectors to obtain image data 360 degrees around the body. The data is sent to a computer that processes the information into a cross-sectional slice of body tissue, organs and blood vessels.
Meriter Medical Imaging Department utilizes multidector CT technology or MDCT. This technology allows very fast scanning. An entire scan of the chest can be acquired in one breath hold (25 seconds). The ability to scan a large part of the body in a matter of seconds allows imaging of the heart and blood vessels throughout the body.
CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue, including lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels, with great clarity. This allows the radiologists to more easily diagnose cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. The most common procedures are described below.
Head CT | Chest CT | Abdominal CT | CT Angiography |
Interventional CT – Percutaneous Needle Biopsy
Interventional CT – Percutaneous Abscess Drainage | Musculoskeletal CT
 Why This Procedure is Done: Common reasons are to test for head injury, stroke, aneurysm, hydrocephalus or a sinus infection.
Preparation: Some patients require an injection of contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.
How the Procedure is Performed: The patient is positioned on their back with head in "cradle-like" device. Your technologist will give breathing instructions before beginning the scan.
How Long the Procedure Takes: This painless procedure takes seconds to perform; however, please allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
 Why This Procedure is Done: The scan is used to take a closer look at findings detected on conventional chest x-rays. It is also used to explain clinical signs or symptoms of disease of the chest. When abnormal findings are diagnosed using a percutaneous needle biopsy, this procedure may be needed to examine the tissue. CT can be used to help guide the biopsy needle to the area in question.
Preparation: Some patients require an injection of contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.
How the Procedure is Performed: The patient is positioned on their back with a cushion under the knees. Your technologist will give breathing instructions before beginning the scan.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
 Why This Procedure is Done: An abdominal CT is often the preferred method for diagnosing disease of the bowel and colon, including diverticulitis and appendicitis. It also visualizes the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. CT can quickly identify the source of acute pain caused by infection or inflammation. The speed, ease and accuracy of an abdominal CT can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a burst appendix or ruptured diverticulum (a small pouch-like bulge or pocket than can appear anywhere along the digestive tract, including the throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.). CT is also used to identify and treat kidney stones.
Preparation: Some patients may be required to drink oral contrast material to highlight the bowel. They also receive intravenous contrast material to better define blood vessels.
How the Procedure is Performed: The patient is positioned on their back with arms raised overhead. Your technologist will give breathing instructions before beginning the scan.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 45 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: A CT angiography is performed to evaluate blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the head, chest, abdomen and legs. This technique is quickly replacing conventional angiography where the patient must have a catheter placed in an artery and manipulated into the vessel of interest. CT angiography is significantly less invasive than conventional angiography.
Preparation: An IV is placed in your arm. Chest electrodes are attached before starting the procedure.
How the Procedure is Performed: You will receive an injection of iodine contrast material into a vein. Using special computer software, thin "slices" of the visual will be processed into a 3D model. The computer will remove views of the soft tissue and bone, leaving just the blood vessels on the image.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 45 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: A Percutaneous needle biopsy is done to provide a diagnosis of abnormal tissue in the body.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: Percutaneous needle biopsy is a diagnostic procedure involving a small skin procedure done through a small puncture in the skin. A needle with a special cutting tip is advanced into a lesion to collect a small sample. The tissue is examined by a pathologist. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the Interventional Radiologist performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: A Percutaneous Abscess Drainage is done to drain an abscess or fluid collection.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: Percutaneous abscess drainage is a therapeutic procedure involving a small skin puncture using local anesthetic. A hollow tube is passed into the abscess or fluid collection. Sometimes the tube is left in place to drain for several days. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the Interventional Radiologist performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is performed to relieve pain in spine joints.
Preparation: Contrast material is injected to confirm the medication only goes into the joint. A small mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is also injected into the joint.
How This Procedure is Performed: The Interventional Radiologist numbs a small area of the skin. With CT guidance, a very small needle is directed into the joint.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 45 minutes for your appointment.
3/2/2007
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