LIMA—A new ceiling-mounted angiography system that provides physicians  with highly-detailed images of patient’s blood vessels during diagnostic  and treatment procedures has been installed in the radiology department at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

“Better  images lead to faster, more accurate diagnosis for patients,” says Kevin Killough, interventional radiologist.

Angiography helps physicians visualize blood vessels in various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. After a thin catheter is inserted into an artery leading to the desired body area, an iodine-based dye is injected to highlight the vessels when X-rays are taken. It is often used to determine whether blood vessels are narrowed or blocked. It also makes it possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure, as in patients who undergo surgery, angioplasty or stent placement.

The system is designed to provide patients with the lowest possible radiation dose, which is beneficial during angiographic procedures that are often lengthy in duration.

The design of the system eliminates time-consuming and uncomfortable repositioning of the patient, making the procedure faster. During interventions, technology enables virtually all parts of the body to be easily imaged.

“We have had angiography for many years, but the new equipment in the significantly larger suite is generations ahead,” says Thomas Church, interventional radiologist. “The advanced technology also has a CT capability, which is unique in this area. This is especially helpful for procedures that involve difficult needle positioning such as sacroplasty, biliary drainage and certain biopsies. In addition, our radiologists are here at the medical center so, if needed, results can be read and sent to the referring physician almost immediately. Procedures are available 24/7 if necessary.”