University-Quality Imaging
Access to the best imaging capabilities
From our cell phones and televisions to computers and cameras, advancements in technology impact our lives every day. The medical field continues to enhance patient care as technology evolves. Because detecting conditions like cancer, stroke and musculoskeletal disorders early is the first step in treating patients, The University of Toledo Medical Center invests in the world’s most advanced diagnostic imaging equipment and university-quality medical professionals.
Since UT Medical Center is the only university-owned academic health center in the region, its health-care professionals hold themselves to a higher degree of care. “Every radiologist here is a professor of radiology,” says Lee S. Woldenberg, MD, professor and chairman of radiology. “We’re teaching the radiologists of the future, so we stay up-to-date about the most current techniques and need to have the latest technology.”
One of the most stunning interventional therapeutic treatment techniques at UT Medical Center is interventional neuro-radiology.
“We offer the only interventional neuro-radiology program in northwest Ohio,” says Dr. Woldenberg. One of the most unique aspects of interventional neuro-radiology at UT Medical Center is a minimally invasive approach to brain vascular abnormalities, such as tumors and aneurysms. In this case, interventional neuro-radiology accesses the aneurysm via the aorta and inserts coils that cause the blood inside the aneurysm to clot, in most cases, preventing further bleeding. At UT Medical Center, a multidisciplinary team including neuro-surgeons and neuro-radiologists work closely together to offer the best course of treatment.
Part of interventional neuro-radiology includes treating patients with back pain from nerve damage using epidural injections or nerve blocks . It also involves treating compression fractures using kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.
Patients have access to a wide range of imaging services at UT Medical Center.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Helps specialists assess central nervous system disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, the liver, heart and great vessel disorders, abdominal/pelvic masses and vascular disease, among many other conditions. The latest MRI added to the radiology department is the most powerful open-type MRI in the world, the 1.5T MRI. With its open design, claustrophobic and larger patients find great comfort. And because it is the latest generation of MRI equipment, it produces more detailed images and more accurate diagnoses faster than ever before. In addition, The UT Medical Center is the only health center in the region to use the powerful 3.0T MRI for breast imaging. Together, the 1.5T and 3.0T MRIs provide UT Medical Center patients with the most comprehensive imaging options in the region.
- Breast Exams – Include mammography, which uses x-ray imaging. Radiologists can also use the 3.0T MR to detect breast cancer , which is particularly useful finding other tumors in patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer, people with implants and patients at high risk for developing breast cancer.
- Computed Tomography (CT scanning) - Is able to image all parts of the body, including the brain, heart and abdominal area. CT angiograms are also offered to help diagnose blood vessel blockages, identify blood-rich tumors or to help identify where a blood vessel might be bleeding. In 2007, UT Medical Center added the most advanced CT technology for the detection and treatment of heart disease, called the 64-detector. Due to the speed of the scan, a beating heart can be imaged to rule out the presence of significant coronary artery disease.
- Nuclear Medicine Imaging – Is used to assess function, blood flow and abnormal activity of organs and systems, which typically include bone, lung and liver scans. By injecting patients with isotopes, the x-ray provides specialists with detailed images to help treat cancer and sometimes prevent the need for invasive surgery.
- Ultrasound – Is most often used to scan gallbladders, kidneys, peripheral vessels and women’s imaging such as breast and pelvic organs. Doppler ultrasound is also used to evaluate the function of carotid arteries and to determine the risk of developing cerebral vascular disease.
- General Diagnostics – Such as x-rays are used to view the chest and skeletal system. It is also helpful for a wide range of upper and lower GI studies.
Leading-edge imaging technology provides better image resolution, which means better detection and more accurate diagnoses. “Combining an interdisciplinary approach with the most advanced imaging means that patients are getting more accurate results more quickly,” says Dr. Woldenberg. And at UT Medical Center, patients can expect results to be available to their doctors within 24 hours.
For more information or to make an appointment for diagnostic imaging, call 877-451-2299.
