Chalmette Medical Center has a new ultrasound system -- called the Siemens Acuson Sequoia-- that raises ultrasound imaging to a new level.

"Ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool that helps physicians diagnose a variety of conditions throughout the body," says Carla Byrd, R.D.M.S., a registered stenographer at CMC. "But our new system produces very high-resolution images that show us details of a patient's anatomy and physiology that we've never been able to see before. The Acuson improves the speed and precision of diagnoses."

Diagnosing renal artery stenosis
Here's one example of how the new system is improving patient care at CMC.

Patients with a condition called renal artery stenosis have a narrowing or blockage in the artery that supplies blood to the kidney. This condition often causes high blood pressure, and over time, it can lead to kidney failure.

It is important to diagnose renal artery stenosis early so that patients can get appropriate treatment, but it is difficult to "see" the narrowing or blockage because the renal artery is so small. "The Acuson Sequoia performs Renal Artery Doppler Studies (RADS) that provide highly detailed images of the artery quickly," says Byrd.

"The system measures blood flow in the artery even when the flow is very slow because of a blockage or narrowing. These measurements help physicians diagnose renal artery stenosis."

When renal artery stenosis is confirmed, physicians may recommend treatment based on the severity of a patient's condition. Treatment may include medication or minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon/stent angioplasty, to open the artery.

A versatile option
The Acuson Sequoia offers patients a number of benefits. The new system makes it easier for physicians to detect abnormalities in many of the body's internal organs, including the breast, thyroid, uterus, liver and testicle, so patients receive faster and more accurate diagnoses.

In addition, the new system enhances patient comfort by cutting the scanning time by more than half. For example, stenographers using the Acuson Sequoia can perform RADS in about 15 minutes. With traditional ultrasound systems, RADS often took an hour.

For more information on the ultrasound services offered at CMC, call 620-6133.

The ABCs of Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a noninvasive, radiation-free imaging method based on the same sonar principles that guide bats and dolphins.

During ultrasound testing, a small handheld device -- called a transducer -- is placed against the skin. The transducer emits inaudible highfrequency sound waves and records the strength and character of those waves as they echo or bounce off various structures in the body. Variations in the echoes provide important information about the distance, size, shape and consistency of organs and tissue inside the body.

The echoes are displayed on a computer monitor providing realtime images of the internal organs. Ultrasound also can capture some internal movements, including blood flow and heart valve function.

9001 Patricia Street, P.O. Box 1727, Chalmette, LA 70044 (504) 620-6000