At St. Joseph's/Candler, we are dedicated to offering the most advanced and innovative imaging technology to improve patient care. Our revolutionary imaging capabilities allow medical experts to obtain clear, real-time images that guide surgical treatments and improve outcomes. In many cases, this precision helps protect surrounding tissue and reduces recovery time through minimally invasive techniques. Patients can conveniently pre-register for imaging services at St. Joseph’s/Candler to streamline the process and ensure a seamless experience.
The O-arm imaging system enables surgeons to navigate more precisely and verify implant placement using real-time imaging while patients are still in the operating room. This advanced technology minimizes the need for follow-up adjustment procedures and enhances the accuracy of surgical interventions.
Our state-of-the-art 3D bi-plane imaging system creates highly detailed images of soft tissue, aiding in the detection of hemorrhages, visualization of brain tissue and faster, more accurate physician decision-making. With real-time imaging directly available in the interventional suite, physicians can proceed with necessary interventions without moving the patient out of the sterile environment, ultimately saving time and improving patient outcomes.
Traditional MRI machines can be challenging for some patients. At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we have introduced the region’s first Discovery MR750w 3.0 MR system by GE, designed to maximize patient comfort while delivering superior imaging quality. The wide-bore architecture provides more space around the patient, while the table surface alleviates pressure points, reducing discomfort. This system also enables feet-first imaging for all exams, helping patients feel more at ease during the procedure.
The 3T MRI’s powerful imaging capability is invaluable in several medical fields:
Neurology
The improved resolution of 3T MRI technology reveals intricate details of the brain, offering insights that are not possible with lower-field strength scanners. This enhanced imaging helps in the early diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, leading to better patient outcomes.
Orthopedics
For orthopedic conditions, the 3T MRI’s advanced imaging power reduces the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. It is particularly effective for imaging smaller joints, such as the foot, ankle, hand, and wrist, where precision is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Cardiovascular Health
The 3T MRI examines the size and thickness of the heart’s chambers, detects damage from heart attacks or progressive heart disease, and identifies plaque buildup in blood vessels. Faster imaging speeds are especially beneficial for patients with irregular heart rates or difficulty holding their breath during the procedure. The system is also highly effective in imaging peripheral vascular areas, such as the calf and feet.
Oncology
The enhanced spatial and temporal resolution capabilities of the 3T MRI improve the detection and characterization of cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Full-body imaging allows for higher-resolution scans, providing better lesion characterization, particularly in liver imaging, and delivering essential clinical information for cancer treatment planning.
Kidney Imaging
Patients with compromised kidney function can now undergo imaging without contrast, reducing potential risks to the renal system. This technology ensures safer diagnostic procedures for individuals requiring initial or follow-up imaging.
Our advanced PET-CT technology significantly reduces imaging time and radiation exposure for patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning is a simple, noninvasive diagnostic radiology procedure that provides comprehensive imaging comparable to CT or MRI scans. PET-CT's enhanced capabilities allow for more efficient diagnoses and improved patient safety.
Physicians at St. Joseph's Hospital utilize 3D biplane technology to create highly detailed images of blood vessels, providing unparalleled precision in low-impact neuroradiology procedures. The Artis Zee biplane system by Siemens Medical Solutions employs advanced flat-panel x-ray detectors to capture high-resolution images without the distortion common in traditional x-ray techniques. This allows physicians to visualize interventional devices, such as catheters, with exceptional clarity from almost any angle.
During angiography, a physician inserts a catheter into a patient’s artery and guides it to the desired position using real-time video imaging. Once in place, contrast dye is injected to make blood vessels visible through x-ray. This procedure is used to diagnose narrowed or blocked arteries and can also facilitate immediate treatment. The integration of biplane technology elevates this process, generating precise 3D images that aid in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions.
The biplane imaging system includes advanced software that produces highly detailed images of soft tissue, similar to those obtained through a CT scan. These capabilities are especially crucial for detecting hemorrhages, visualizing brain tissue and expediting physician decision-making. For stroke patients, this technology saves valuable time by providing detailed images directly within the interventional suite, eliminating the need to transport the patient for further evaluation.
This technology enhances patient safety by virtually eliminating the risk of disorientation from contrast dye. It also improves comfort by reducing the need for repositioning, resulting in faster, less stressful procedures.
Experience the most advanced imaging technology at St. Joseph’s/Candler. In addition to the services listed above, SJ/C offers a wide range of imaging services at multiple convenient locations throughout the region. Visit our locations page to find the center nearest you.
