February 1, 2013

 

Hospital Acquires Digital Mammography Technology

In 2012, St.Vincent Mercy Hospital acquired state-of-the-art digital mammography technology. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Early detection is the key to increasing the survival rate.

"The full-field digital mammography equipment we have acquired produces images with exceptional quality and superb resolution," explained Radiology Manager Jeff Lawson. "Because the images are digitally acquired and stored, they can be electronically enhanced to provide even better and more accurate diagnoses. Early detection of breast cancer by mammography screenings has been shown to significantly decrease breast cancer-related deaths because they detect cancer in its earliest stages, often years before a lump can be felt."

The examination procedure for digital mammography is exactly the same as for film-screen mammography. However, instead of exposing film, the x-rays are directed to an advanced special detector that captures the image electronically.

Lawson has many positive things to say about the new mammography equipment, in addition to its increased diagnostic capabilities. The full-field digital mammography equipment is designed to improve patient comfort. It has many new features, such as flexible compression paddles and a technique that senses the thickness of the breast and applies only the amount of compression needed to produce a good image.

"Now St.Vincent Mercy Hospital physicians and the patients of Elwood have a new and powerful tool in the detection and fight against breast cancer," said St.Vincent Mercy Hospital Administrator Deborah Rasper. "This new, all-digital system provides our patients with state-of-the-art mammograms that are faster, easier and more comfortable than ever before, while providing our physicians with highly detailed images to use in the diagnosis."

Through generous gifts from the hospital associates, medical staff and local contributors allowed St.Vincent Mercy Hospital to install the new mammography equpment and add additional technology and amenities to this state-of-the-art program. The campaign for the digital mammography project began with the St.Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation Golf Outing. Burnette-Dellinger Insurance Agency was the presenting sponsor and Kadet Products was the shirt sponsor for this year's annual outing. The St.Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation designated the profits from the event to be used for the digital mammography project.

Call 765-552-4941 for more information.