Ehanced Imaging Services At AHMC

Friday, June 30, 2006 - Aventura, FL - The Imaging Center and the Nuclear Medicine Center at Aventura Hospital and Medical are leading the healthcare community in South Florida with cutting-edge technology.

With the acquisition earlier this year of the cutting edge technology offered by the iU22 ultrasound system from Philips Medical Systems, the Imaging Center at Aventura Hospital now provides advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with an intelligent system interface that streamlines ultrasound exams for patients and clinicians.

The Philips iU22 features 4D (or, real-time 3D) imaging technology that allows patients to view the organs as if they were being held in the hands. The system's powerful imaging capabilities support a variety of common exams, including vascular, thyroid, and testicular exams.

The iU22 features an adjustable, articulating flat screen LCD monitor that can be positioned so that it can be viewed from almost any direction. This allows patients the ability to see images during scanning, as well. The system can be operated by intelligent voice-command when the sonographer is in tight quarters or needs both hands for scanning. A highly moveable control panel increases the sonographers' flexibility to work around the patient, and the system's sleek profile makes it easy to move to wherever it is needed.

Early clinical use by physicians indicates that the Philips iU22 intelligent ultrasound system has the potential to:

• Make ultrasound exams much faster
• Help patients and their physician better visualize and understand their condition
• Enhance diagnostic capability, thus reducing or eliminating the need for more expensive or invasive tests and procedures
• Provide clearer ultrasound images, especially in difficult-to-image patients
• Guide catheters and needles in 3D space without radiation exposure

The Nuclear Medicine Department has also enhanced its services with the purchase of a new dual head SPECT camera. This camera has the flexibility to meet all patients scanning needs by having the ability to scan patients standing, sitting in a wheelchair or on a stretcher. This system allows for accelerated workflow for state-of-the-art imaging tomography with advance display of cardiac, oncology, renal, bone and brain.

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center continues expanding and enhancing its healthcare services for the benefit of this community. The iU22 and the SPECT camera are just two of many advances found at the all new Aventura Hospital. For additional information, please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department at 305-682-7382, or the Imaging Center at 305.682.7389.