Member News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 1, 2010

Provena United Samaritans Acquires Two State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Systems

Provena United Samaritans recently acquired two iU22 ultrasound systems, providing advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with an intelligent system interface that streamlines ultrasound exams for patients and clinicians.

The Philips iU22 features 4D (or, real-time 3D) imaging technology that allows patients to view internal organs as if they were being held in the hands. The system's powerful imaging capabilities support a variety of common exams, including vascular, thyroid, and testicular exams. It also offers advanced imaging capabilities specifically beneficial in the evaluation of breast masses.

In addition, the system's revolutionary workflow features greatly benefit the sonographer, or ultrasound technician, and their patients. The Philips iU22 is referred to as an "intelligent" system because it is designed to adapt to the sonographer's exam needs, making their job faster, easier, and less physically taxing.

"The new systems are great, particularly the intelligent, ergonomic interface," said Jennie Cohee, RDMS, ultrasound technologist. "Because of the high volume of exams and physical nature of our work, sonographers can be affected by repetitive motion strain or injury."

The iU22 features an adjustable, articulating flat screen LCD monitor that can be positioned so that it can be viewed from almost any direction. This allows patients the ability to see images during scanning, as well. The system can be operated by intelligent voice-command when the sonographer is in tight quarters or needs both hands for scanning. A highly moveable control panel increases the sonographers' flexibility to work around the patient, and the system's sleek profile makes it easy to move to wherever it is needed.

The iu22 ultrasound system has the potential to:

  • Make ultrasound exams much faster
  • Help patients and their physician better visualize and understand their condition
  • Help identify the nature of suspicious breast lesions sooner utilizing new, higher resolution, higher frequency transducers
  • Enhance diagnostic capability, thus reducing or eliminating the need for more expensive or invasive tests and procedures
  • Provide clearer ultrasound images, especially in difficult-to-image patients
  • Guide catheters and needles in 3D space without radiation exposure

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of the body's internal soft tissue structures. It provides a safe, fast and relatively painless means of diagnostic imaging on an outpatient basis.

"Provena United Samaritans is pleased to be able to offer this important improvement in diagnostics to our patients," says Janet Ragle, MSN, Director of Diagnostic Imaging. "And it is a terrific addition to the services we can provide in our new Women's Health Center."

For more information on the Women's Health Center and all of the technology and diagnostic services available at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville, visit www.proven.org/usmc or call 217.443.5245.