World-Class Radiology Services Enhance Patient Care Throughout Holy Rosary

$4 million in the latest technology make Holy Rosary the best in the region

Patients accessing Holy Rosary Healthcare are cared for by a team of talented physicians who have the very best diagnostic technology at their fingertips. Holy Rosary has long understood the importance of exceptionally strong support services - radiology, lab, anesthesia and pharmacy. The strength of these service areas have the ability to elevate the overall level of care provided. In the last three years, we've invested over $4 million in the latest technology to ensure we stay ahead of the trends in medicine.

Holy Rosary Among Elite with 64-Slice CT Scanner - As Featured in TIME Magazine

Holy Rosary Healthcare is part of a select group of U.S. hospitals equipped with industry-leading multi-slice computed tomography (CT) technology to improve the detection and treatment of heart disease. This newest technology as featured in TIME Magazine (September 7, 2005), allows doctors to inspect a patient's heart without making an incision. The 64-slice CT Scanner produces the most detailed images available of the heart's arteries without surgery. And now that technology is available in only two hospitals in Montana: Missoula and at Holy Rosary in Miles City.

In addition to enhancing the cardiac/heart disease services available onsite, the 64-slice also serves an important role in diagnosing head and spine injuries, lung and liver disease, cancer, tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding, orthopedic injuries, and many other diseases and illnesses.

According to Todd Burch HRH radiology manager, the scanner provides high-speed, high-resolution imaging, which allows physicians to capture precise images of any area of the body, including the rapidly moving heart and lungs. He said the fast scanning capability can obtain important diagnostic information concerning the heart within a single breath-hold. "Features include production of images at three-to-four times the speed as our conventional spiral-slice scanner....and in much greater detail," said Burch. He added that not only is a fast CT scan less invasive for patients, but also, in some cases, "may lead to an even more rapid diagnosis and treatment."

Burch, said the new scanner is altering the way HRH treats patients with suspected coronary disease." Basically, for many of our patients, it makes long trips to medical facilities in Billings or elsewhere unnecessary because patients we determine are not at risk can now be treated here," he said. Burch explained that prior to the installation of the 64-slice CT Scanner, patients complaining of chest pains were sent 150 miles away to Billings to determine whether they were suffering from a major blockage. "The picture quality of the new scanner is so good," said Burch, "it decreases the need for invasive procedures like diagnostic angiograms to check for arterial blocks." He said HRH clinicians can immediately check for blocked arteries and determine who is and who is not at high risk of having a heart attack.

New Breast Health Equipment Offers Exclusive Services in Eastern Montana

Holy Rosary added three new pieces of equipment related to breast health. The platinum mammography system, stereotactic breast biopsy system and vacuum assisted breast biopsy system provide a level of care unavailable anywhere else in eastern Montana.

This technology means big things for patients:

• Reduced radiation for the patient
• Earlier detection for breast cancer
• Traditional inpatient procedures now move to outpatient procedure with reduced procedure time; in many cases in and out of the procedure within 2 hours with less recovery time
• Maximized patient comfort and improved recovery time
• Reduced medical expenses

All-Digital X-Ray System Provides Patients, Doctors with Big Benefits

Holy Rosary's new All-Digital X-Ray System allows for new angiography procedures onsite and has changed the way the traditional x-ray is taken. For example, the design and capabilities of the new system provide greater freedom of movement and optimal viewing angles of patient anatomy. This allows the radiologist to view a specific area of the anatomy from several angles resulting in more accurate diagnosis. In addition, tissue/bone may be removed from the image to accurately view only the patient's vessels or another particular area of focus.

The All-Digital X-Ray System's capabilities result in many patient benefits:

• Reduced radiation for the patient
• Earlier detection of problem areas due to multiple viewing angles
• Maximized patient comfort (patients usually remain in their street clothes)
• Improved ease of access for wheelchair patients
• Increased angiography testing completed onsite eliminating the necessity to travel elsewhere

New Gamma Camera Enhances Nuclear Medicine

The diagnostic capabilities of the Dual Detector Variable Angle Gamma Camera are mind-boggling. The equipment is used for nuclear medicine studies to evaluate the function of various organ systems. At Holy Rosary, the gamma camera is used primarily for cardiac and cancer procedures. Over 1,500 patients per year are serviced by this camera.

The Gamma Camera provides diagnostic clinical capabilities traditionally only seen in large, dedicated urban healthcare facilities. The images produces provide unmatched accuracy in the evaluation of the targeted anatomy. And the design of the equipment allows for seated, standing, wheelchair and stretcher patients which makes it ideal for the diverse patient situations presented at Holy Rosary.