Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/551105
torrancememorial.org PULSE | 37 Dr. Sacks notes that use of 3-D mammography has decreased the number of recalls for patients, which is normally around 9% to 10%. Although tomography isn't a new technolog y, its use in breast imaging is—and its availability in hospitals is limited. Dr. Sacks notes they currently use the TOMO for "all comers," though it may prove to be particularly advantageous for some people, like those with dense breasts or subtle areas of "architectural distortion"—areas that are hard to image using traditional techniques. Reading these 3-D mammograms takes longer than a traditional mammogram, and physicians are required to take an online training course in order to become proficient in the machine and interpreting results. Dr. Sacks notes that one of the most important parts about reading a mammogram is comparing subtle changes over time. Luckily the 3-D imaging can be used to make a 2-D image and compared to previous traditional mammograms. "It really is a fantastic advance for women," says Dr. Sacks. USING IMAGING FOR TREATMENT Beyond diagnostic imaging—using imaging to find or diagnose a disease or problem—is the field of interventional radiology, or treating disease while using imaging to help guide physicians through a procedure. It is commonly used in cancer therapy, spine intervention and neurology and can result in more targeted treatment. "A very common procedure for a patient with liver or kidney cancer is to find the blood supply to the tumor and implant a bead embedded with a drug—like chemotherapy—so the bead blocks off blood supply to the tumor and slowly releases a chemotherapy or other drug to kill the tumor," says Dr. So. A similar procedure is done for uterine fibroids, which require a large amount of blood. Using interventional radiology, radiologists can implant the beads (this time without drugs), which will block off blood supply and the fibroid will shrink. Perhaps the most exciting area of interventional radiolog y is stroke treatment, says Dr. So. Stroke can be devastating not only medically but psychologically too—for both patients and their caregivers. "Stroke patients come in, and sometimes they have slurred speech, are drooling or paralyzed on one side of their body," he says. With guided imaging, interventional radiologists can go in and remove the clot. For the radiolog y team, the rapid recovery is inspiring. "ey can regain function on the [operating ] table. ey start talking ; they make sense. e before-and-aer is amazing," says Dr. So. While the equipment is a critical tool in putting the radiolog y department at the forefront of medicine, the main strength is the people. "We have all the hardware, but the staff helping out day-to-day are the most important parts of the department," says Dr. So. Even though imaging is sometimes a behind- the-scenes pursuit, Dr. So doesn't mind. But the time has come to shed light on its importance: "Our radiolog y department is the best kept secret in the South Bay!" "WITH GUIDED IMAGING, INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGISTS CAN GO IN AND REMOVE THE CLOT. FOR THE RADIOLOGY TEAM, THE RAPID RECOVERY IS INSPIRING." Advancements in the field of radiology have moved beyond simple X-rays to utilizing equipment that can give doctors detailed, three-dimensional images in mere seconds, which is critical to accurate diagnoses. I M AG E O F T H E F U T U R E