Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body. It produces accurate, detailed pictures of organs and tissues to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.

MRI features a comfortable, open environment that may help reduce patient anxiety. The magnet accommodates very large and claustrophobic patients, while also providing benefits of super conducting magnet technology. For some exams, the patient’s head is actually outside the scanner. The new patient-friendly features such as the wide patient opening, music entertainment, soft patient mattress with a headrest, and reduced noise help improve patient comfort and make it easier to scan patients who may be nervous about entering an MRI scanner.

16 Slice Spiral Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT), also referred to as CAT scan, uses advanced X-ray technology to take pictures of cross-sections of body tissues and organs, called "slices." CT is especially useful because it can show different types of tissue in sharp focus, including the lungs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.

CT scans provide detailed views of all type of tissues. It is used by radiologists to more easily diagnose different forms of cancer, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. CT scans help physicians confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, location and relation to surrounding tissue. Because CT scans show such detail, CT plays an important role in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures. CT can also help in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can contribute to stroke or kidney failure.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound images are created in real-time and can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Ultrasounds are painless and do not use ionizing radiation, or X-rays.

Ultrasound scans are used to diagnose a variety of conditions and evaluate organ damage after an illness. It is used to examine many of the body’s internal organs including the liver, heart and blood vessels, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, breast, eyes or scrotum. Ultrasound is also used to visualize and guide cyst aspiration, needle core biopsies and fine needle aspiration.

Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine involves giving the patient a small dose of radioactive material, either orally or intravenously, that eventually settles in a specific body system. The material, called a radiopharmaceutical agent or tracer, gives off energy as gamma rays. A special camera detects these rays and works with a computer to produce images and measurements of the organ or tissue that is being studied.

Nuclear medicine is commonly used to diagnose diseases and detect tumors, infection or other disorders by evaluating organ function. Doctors may use nuclear medicine to:
• Confirm the presence or spread of cancer.
• Evaluate kidney function.
• Locate an infection.
• Analyze bones for fracture, arthritis or tumor.
• Identify a blockage in the gallbladder.
• Measure thyroid function.

Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) involves detecting radiation from the emission of positrons (tiny particles from a radioactive substance that has been administered intravenously). The images generated by a PET scan are used to evaluate a variety of diseases, most often cancer.

PET scans can be done on the whole body, including the heart. Scans of the heart can be used to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle and assess signs of coronary artery disease. Scans of the brain are used to develop a treatment plan for patients with memory disorders of unknown origin, suspected or proven brain tumors, or seizure disorders that do not respond to medical treatment and may need to be treated surgically.

Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology procedures performed at Houston Northwest Medical Center include angiograms, venograms, peripheral angioplasty, peripheral stent placement, thrombolysis, vertebroplasty, uterine fibroid embolism, cancer treatment, fallopian tube recanalization and inferior vena cava filter replacement.

All procedures are performed by an interventional radiologist. Interventional radiology procedures cover all areas of the body, including the abdomen (intestines, kidneys, liver and stomach), central nervous system (brain and spine), chest (lungs), heart and vascular (arteries, heart and veins) and musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, joints, back and spine).

Fluoroscopy and X-ray
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous X-ray beam to produce a series of images that are shown on a fluorescent screen, or television-like monitor. When a contrast material is used, doctors can see internal organs in motion when the area being studied appears bright white. Still images can also be recorded and stored either on film or electronically on a computer. The stored images may be compared to current images for diagnosis and disease management.