Published on October 28, 2011
Genesis Offers Leading-edge Imaging Services
Genesis Health System’s status as the regional leader in imaging services gained momentum two weeks ago when a new 5-ton direct digital 3T MRI arrived on the East Rusholme Street campus in Davenport.
The latest in digital technology, the Philips Ingenia 3T MRI represents the first in Iowa and one of only 45 in the world. Thanks to a magnet that has doubled in strength, it provides increased image clarity. It’s faster, quieter and wider for patients of any size -- up to 550 pounds.
It’s no mistake that the technology is one of many imaging “firsts” for Genesis.
“Our system-wide mission is to provide world-class imaging services to our physicians and the community,” says Janet Stensrud, Director of Imaging Services for Genesis Health System. “As a result, we’re always looking for the latest imaging technology that will bring better-quality images, shorter scanning time and increased patient comfort.”
Imaging “firsts” in the region have distinguished the Genesis Cancer Care Institute for the past several years.
In 2008 and 2009, the Institute acquired two of the latest and best cancerfighting treatment weapons available -- the TomoTherapy Hi-Art treatment system and the Varian Trilogy BrainLAB ExacTrac robotics system. Genesis became one of very few in the country to offer both technologies.
The Institute has added electronic brachytherapy, a large bore CT scanner for oncology and i-Logic Electro-magnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy. Earlier this year, the newest generation of stereotactic breast biopsy technology came to Illini’s Center for Breast Health.
“This new cancer technology has led to improved diagnosis, earlier diagnosis, flexibility of treatment options and better targeting of cancers to limit exposure of healthy tissue during treatment,” says Sally Werner, Director of the Genesis Cancer Care Institute.
“It’s part of our high-tech, high-touch comprehensive approach that unites the latest cancer-fighting technology with patient-centered care.”
In other advancements, 3D/4D ultrasound is now offered at hospitals in DeWitt, Silvis and Davenport.
“We have the latest angiography and endovascular operating suites at GMCDavenport, which provide faster, safer and more accurate vascular care,” Stensrud says. “We also have a dedicated digital chest X -ray room, so patients who need a chest x-ray can get in and out more quickly.”
Meanwhile, the Illini Campus offers imaging options that equal, and even exceed, many larger hospitals. It boasts one of the newest nuclear medicine cameras in the region.
Illini has a permanent MRI suite and two digital x-ray rooms -- one in the Emergency Department. And digital mammography, 3D/4D ultrasound and MRI services have earned accreditation from the American College of Radiology.
“We’re also in the process of ordering one of the first digital portable X-ray units in the Quad Cities for the Illini Campus,” Stensrud says. “It’s just being released, so we might be one of the first few in the country to have this.”
Imaging “firsts” have come full circle with the announcement that Genesis has entered into a joint venture with Radiology Group of Davenport.
In 2007, the two partnered to become the first to introduce digital mammography to the Quad Cities. Today, digital mammography is offered at Radiology Group Imaging Center and at Center for Breast Health locations in Bettendorf, Davenport, Silvis, and DeWitt. In August, it also was introduced at Genesis-managed Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.
“Over the years, these imaging advancements have led to more accurate diagnostic imaging, faster turnaround and more comfort for our patients and higher-definition scans for physicians,” Stensrud concludes.
