The best defense against some of today’s most deadly diseases lies in early detection. From ultrasound to radiology, CT scans to nuclear medicine, state-of-the-art technology plays a significant role in successful recovery.

Memorial Hospital has the very latest in imaging tools needed to diagnose medical conditions early so they have a higher likelihood of being treated successfully. A full range of imaging services is provided at the main hospital campus and at Memorial’s Valley Imaging, one of our Family of Services. Comprehensive mammography imaging is also available at `Ohana, Memorial’s Mammography Center.

Diagnostic radiology

A full range of outpatient and inpatient x-ray procedures from simple to complex are offered through Memorial’s full-service radiology department, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These include comprehensive fluoroscopic procedures including upper and lower GI series, myelography (spinal cord x-ray examinations), as well as additional sub-specialized fluoroscopic exams.

Interventional radiology

Memorial’s fully digital special procedures lab features the new Advantix LCA+, which is used to pinpoint the location of blood vessel blockages and to guide the placement of balloons and stents during angioplasty. It is also used to study other types of vessel and organ pathology in other anatomical areas, such as the kidneys or brain.

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine can help determine how organs and bones are functioning. It can be used to diagnose fractures, cancer, arthritis, heart function, kidney function and thyroid uptake.

Ultrasound

Memorial Hospital’s ultrasound department has several procedure rooms enabling technologists to perform a range of ultrasound procedures for both outpatients and inpatients. These include OB/GYN and small parts scans, as well as vascular studies consisting of duplex venous and carotid imaging.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Memorial offers the latest in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology for the benefit of patients and referrals. Designed with the patient in mind, the Magnetom Espree™ Open Bore MRI is particularly useful for brain, abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal imaging. Because of its unique design, it allows scans of the lower region of the spine to be taken feet-first with the patient's head remaining outside the magnet's bore.

Acquired at a cost of approximately $3 million, the new unit has been manufactured by Siemens specifically to combine a larger bore or opening for patients and a shorter electromagnet that supplies high-field power (1.5 Tesla) for higher quality images.

The new unit provides up to four times more signal-to-noise ratio over traditional MRI designs, giving doctors more detail for making decisions about healthcare, especially for heavier or more muscular patients with higher body mass.

CT scans

Computerized tomography is a medical diagnostic tool that allows the visualization of internal structures within the human body using a specific section or cutting image of the body. This aids physicians in diagnosing disease, viewing internal abnormalities and assessing the extent of trauma damage. Memorial Hospital performs more than 7,000 CT scans annually including:

• Routine CT examinations of head, neck, body.
• CT angiography with three-dimensional computer enhancements.
• CT-guided biopsy and aspiration procedures.
• Three-dimensional views for bone detail.
• CT pulmonary angiography.
• CT pediatric procedures.

Mammography

Early detection remains a woman's best defense in the battle against breast cancer. Like all cancers, breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the body change and grow out of control. When problematic breast tissue cells are diagnosed early, the prognosis for cure is extremely high.

At `Ohana, Memorial’s Mammography Center, women find a comfortable and supportive setting, encouraging them to maintain regular mammogram screenings. Mammograms are the gold standard for detecting breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. `Ohana’s comprehensive mammography program includes the following services:

• Screening mammography.
• Diagnostic mammography.
• Ductography (uses an injected contrast material to obtain galactograms/pictures).
• Full range of procedures including cyst management and stereotactic (x-ray guided breast biopsy) technique.
• High-definition breast ultrasonography (ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging).

Pediatric Imaging

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital's Computed Tomography Department is a proud participant in the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging "Image Gently" (web link) campaign. Memorial is "child sizing" pediatric protocols and reducing radiation dosage on all pediatric patients, as well as educating parents about radiation safety. Memorial has:

• Developed protocols to reduce radiation dose for pediatric patients by 50-75%
• Implemented two categories of protocols-initial first time exam and follow-up exam with a lower radiation dose.
• Ensured all CT Technologists are Certified Participants of the "Image Gently" campaign.
• Offered parents educational materials concerning our Image Gently Campaign.
  • o What Parents Should Know About CT Scans for Children (link?)
  • o My Child's Medical Imaging Record card (link?)

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