St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston announced today it has acquired the latest in ultrasound technology. The Philips iU22 features 4D (or, real-time 3D) imaging technology that allows patients to view the fetus and internal 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. It also offers advanced imaging capabilities specifically beneficial in the evaluation of breast masses.

"Ultrasound imaging is hugely beneficial because it is a relatively low-cost and non-invasive way to look inside the body," said Dr. James Place, the Medical Director of the Radiology Department at St. Mary's. "With the new Philips system, we have an extremely high level of diagnostic information at our fingertips and can provide answers for our patients more quickly and easily. Plus, results from the ultrasound exam often reduce the need for more invasive procedures."

The new ultrasound equipment will:

• Reduce ultrasound exam time

• Help patients and their physician better visualize and understand their condition

• Help identify the nature of suspicious breast lesions sooner, utilizing new, higher resolution, higher frequency transducers

• Enhance diagnostic capability, 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

Ultrasound has become one of the most popular diagnostic methods among both patients and physicians because it can be used in the most delicate conditions without major side effects. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of the body's internal soft tissue structures. It provides a safe, fast, and relatively painless means of diagnostic imaging on an outpatient basis.

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center is pleased to be able to offer this important improvement in health care to its patients. For more information, please call 777-8482.