Patients in Lassen County needing an X-ray with real-time moving X-Ray images will no longer have to travel far. Banner Lassen Medical Center is making a number of enhancements to its Imaging Department, starting with a new fluoroscopy suite.
Fluoroscopy is an imaging device, that unlike traditional X-rays, allow providers to take continuous images of the body. Known as an “X-ray movie,” fluoroscopy is particularly helpful in getting accurate images of organs such as gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, respiratory system, heart and kidneys as well as lumbar punctures, catheter and stent insertions.
“It will provide a better patient experience,” Jodi Looker, imaging coordinator and lead mammography technician at Banner Lassen Medical Center, said. “It’s all automated and easy-to-use so we can focus on the patient instead of spending time walking back and forth carrying films.”
Fluoroscopy uses an X-ray beam to project a series of images from different angles onto a screen. Because the images are high-definition and three-dimensional, the X-ray is more precise and at a lower radiation dose. “This new state-of-the-art equipment will allow us to view a higher level of detail like never before,” Kimberly Hamelton, Sr. medical imaging manager at Banner Lassen, explained.
Banner Lassen treats around 1,800 patients a month with imaging services, including computed tomography (CTs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammograms, ultrasounds, DEXA scans and nuclear scans.
The new fluoroscopic unit will be housed in a newly renovated suite that includes updates to the flooring, cabinetry, counters and walls, along with a new bathroom and changing area. Additional improvements scheduled for 2020-21 are a new medical imaging X-Ray suite, CT and MRI.
