CARDIAC & VASCULAR

Despite all the knowledge and technology available to the medical professions, heart disease remains the number-one cause of death in the United States. Yet, technological advancements in medical imaging offer new hope in the fight to keep you as heart-healthy as you can be.

At Florida Radiology Consultants, our board-certified physicians are committed to your good health, especially when it comes to your heart. At the same time, we¹re committed to providing you with the best care possible. As experienced radiologists, we know the two go hand in hand, and we always strive to keep our capabilities current with the state of the art, even as it grows and changes.

Technology

Here¹s a look at some of the advanced methods we employ so you can best care for your heart health:

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field to produce highly detailed images of the inside of the body. In fact, it is emerging as a highly effective way to diagnose and monitor heart disease. MRI produces images of the heart¹s chambers and other structures, and it helps identify blockages in the major blood vessels. It¹s relatively quick, thorough and safe, never exposing patients to X-rays or to radioactive materials. Plus, MRI may help you avoid invasive surgical procedures.

One of the most exciting uses in development: obtaining real-time images of the heart and blood vessels at work (think ³MRI movie²). This capability holds tremendous promise as a diagnostic tool for a whole host of cardiovascular problems.

Nuclear medicine helps us evaluate heart health in several ways, from diagnosing unexplained chest pain to assessing the damage caused by a heart attack. Cardiac nuclear medicine studies yield vital information about the heart¹s functional and physiological status, and we use it to see blood flow and the heart¹s pumping action with clarity. It¹s also safe, simple and cost-effective. For these reasons, it has become an ideal method for monitoring the effectiveness of surgeries (like bypass surgery) and medical therapies. We also use nuclear medicine to help surgeons select the most effective course of surgical treatment for heart disease patients.

CT angiography & MR angiography (CTA & MRA) evaluate the health and function of blood vessels. At Florida Radiology Consultants, we use both CTA and MRA to obtain detailed images of many different blood vessels, identifying and evaluating any blockages.

Echocardiography is a noninvasive, painless procedure that uses a transducer to generate sound waves to process images of the heart on a computer screen. It allows us to diagnose coronary artery disease, valve disorders, weakened heart muscles, abnormalities in the aorta, and more.

MUSCULOSKELETAL     [back to the top]

While musculoskeletal imaging is nothing new, today¹s versatile technologies have provided a new level of sophistication and accuracy in the diagnosis of problems related to muscles, bones, joints and supporting soft tissue. If you have sustained a sports injury or are suffering from painful conditions like arthritis, you need accurate, complete diagnoses upon which your doctor can develop an effective treatment plan. 

With multiple doctors who are board-certified in diagnostic radiology and some with subspecialty training in body imaging and musculoskeletal 
radiology, Florida Radiology Consultants is uniquely qualified to diagnose problems that could mean the difference between your full recovery and 
continued pain and discomfort.

Medical imaging offers highly detailed images and many different ways to use hardware and software to diagnose a variety of conditions. While some of these techniques produce similar results, it requires specialized training to select the modality that will give you the information your doctor needs for the unique characteristics of your case. Here¹s a look at a few of the technologies Florida Radiology Consultants uses to help your doctor care for you:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to produce images of the inside of the body. Musculoskeletal MRI is most often used for examining large joints, like the knee, hip, shoulder and spine. But it¹s also very effective for smaller joints like the wrist, ankle and elbow.

Computed tomography (³CT² or ³CAT² scan) provides superior, highly detailed cross-sectional images of most internal body parts and is particularly effective for examining bones. With CT, we can examine fractures in bones that are otherwise hidden using simple X-ray technology.

Ultrasound bounces sound waves off tissue, such 
as a ligament or muscle, and an echo is sent back and images of the body¹s internal structures are generated. It is excellent for examining muscles, tendons and ligaments and the soft tissue and fluids that surround the joints.

Nuclear medicine uses safe radioisotopes to help identify certain problems early, when treatment can be most effective. A nuclear bone scan can identify fractures, tumors, arthritis and osteoporosis. This test also helps identify diseases that express symptoms in other areas than in the skeletal system.

DEXA Scanning quickly, painlessly and accurately measures the strength, density and mineral content of bones. A DEXA scan can identify risk for osteoporosis ‹ and the fractures that can result from it ‹ so you will have more effective options for successful treatment. 

Arthrography examines joints and the spaces around them and is usually performed when joint pain is unexplained following other imaging procedures. Arthrography uses a contrast agent to make the soft tissues of joints more visible than with standard X-rays.

NEURORADIOLOGY     [back to the top]

Neuroradiology is a growing subspecialty of medical imaging focused on diagnosing injuries or conditions in the brain, spine and entire central nervous system. With the help of today¹s powerful, versatile imaging modalities, neurologists and neurosurgeons are now better able to identify a broad spectrum of conditions ‹ everything from pinched nerves in the spine to blockages in the brain¹s tiny blood vessels. Often, accurate interpretation of these tests¹ results can spot potentially disastrous problems early, which is when treatment can be most effective.

At Florida Radiology Consultants, our board-certified radiologists ‹ including some with fellowship training in neuroradiology ‹ can determine which exams will provide the most precise imagesŠ and yield the most accurate, most complete results.

Technology

Here are some of the state-of-the-art imaging techniques we call upon to help provide you with the best care:

MR angiography (MRA) & CT angiography (CTA) ­ While catheter angiography is still the choice for certain cases, new capabilities with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed angiography (CTA) have created excellent alternatives. These modalities are useful in evaluating blockages in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. 

With them, we¹re able to improve patient comfort while reducing the risk of arterial damage by simply injecting the contrast agent intravenously. Plus, MRI and CT provide more detailed results than X-ray imaging, and contrast agents can sometimes be avoided entirely, eliminating risk of kidney damage and allergic reaction.

MRI & CT ­ Both MRI and CT can be used to detect bleeding in the brain after a suspected neurological event, such as stroke or aneurysm, locate skull fractures and to help diagnose certain types of brain tumors. Our physicians may also use MRI and CT to diagnose nerve problems in the spine such as a herniated disc.

ENT/head & neck radiology ­ We help area ear, nose and throat physicians gain valuable insight on problems with the head and neck using CT and MRI examinations. This technology allows us to detect inflammation, tumors and other abnormalities in the head and neck region, including the mouth, salivary glands, throat, sinuses, nasal cavities, vocal cords and ears.

PEDIATRIC     [back to the top]

You do everything in your power to keep your children healthy. But when it goes beyond the bumps, bruises, scrapes and sniffles, there¹s a place in town where the physicians and staff care as much about your kids as they do for their own; Florida Radiology Consultants.

Our entire staff has a genuine love and respect for children. We know that when a child needs a specialized exam, they need more attention than a hug or kiss will cure. They need their fears put to rest and their questions answered in language they can understand. That¹s exactly what they will get at Florida Radiology Consultants. But warm, compassionate care for your child is just the start. 

We offer comprehensive health imaging procedures and state-of-the-art technology dedicated solely to the pediatric profession. Our staff includes the only fellowship-trained pediatric radiologist in southwest Florida, Dr. Michael J. Weiss. We are also the only radiology center in the area that offers comprehensive sedation services. It¹s why we¹re trusted by hundreds of area doctors, including many pediatricians, for their patients.

Trust

Thanks to our ARRT-certified technologists and board-certified, subspecialty-trained physicians, you can feel confident that your child¹s health imaging procedure is being conducted by trained professionals and interpreted by respected doctors. What¹s more, our support staff takes pride in providing courteous, professional service and making you and your child feel relaxed and comfortable while you¹re here. Some of the pediatric studies we offer include:

Cross-Sectional Imaging

This includes MRI exam, CAT scan and ultrasound. All three procedures are safe and painless, meaning your child will be able to relax throughout the exam.

Fluoroscopy

This lets us see real-time movement within your child¹s body as it happens. It is used to examine the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and as a guide for certain interventional procedures.

Percutaneous Biopsies

We perform many pediatric biopsies, particularly of the liver and lungs. These tests help detect cancer and infections and can help diagnose a number of diseases.

Interventional Procedures

These image-guided tests include central venous catheter placement, fine-needle biopsy of small lesions and more.

Compassion

Children don¹t notice where you went to school or how many degrees are hanging on your wall. They judge you by your kindness, your sensitivity and your ability to relate to them. These are the qualities that matter most to kids. Parents appreciate the genuine concern we show for their children, the time we take to explain everything and the fast, accurate test results we provide.

At Florida Radiology Consultants, we all share a common goal, to keep your child healthy.

We look forward to making your visit a pleasant experience for you and your child.

CT SCAN     [back to the top]

At Florida Radiology Consultants, our mission is to help you get the most appropriate treatment for your injury or disease by providing an accurate, thorough diagnosis. And computed tomography (³CT² or ³CAT² scan) is an essential part of the diagnostic tools at our disposal.

CT scans have long been considered the ³gold standard² of imaging procedures for various reasons. Because CT is quick and involves little radiation exposure, its appeal is high among practitioners and patients alike for reasons of comfort and economy. Diagnostically, CT scans are able to obtain a number of images from different angles, which are then joined together to create a cross-section of body tissues and organs. This methodology provides very detailed information compared to plain radiographs, making it preferable for diagnosing brain conditions, chest and abdominal diseases and a variety of conditions affecting bone, soft tissues and blood vessels.

Trust

If your doctor has recommended a CT scan, ask them about Florida Radiology Consultants. We have over 15 board-certified radiologists on staff who offer state-of-the-art imaging and skilled image interpretation, plus leading-edge technology. Equally important, our support staff ‹ which includes ARRT-certified technologists ‹ takes pride in providing courteous, professional service and making you feel as comfortable as possible. It¹s another reason why hundreds of area doctors have trusted us with their 
patients for over three decades. 

Efficiency

At Florida Radiology Consultants, our rapid report turnaround also gives referring physicians and their patients confidence that they have been provided the high-quality imaging and service they deserve.

We know that you will be anxious to learn the results of your CT scan, so reports are prepared and delivered promptly, often the same day or within 24 hours. In addition, Florida Radiology Consultants is the first outpatient imaging center in the area to offer a complete Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This allows your doctor to read the results of your exam and view key images on a secure website.

We'll provide you advanced, full-service diagnostic imaging and a unique level of caring; all in a clean, modern facility.

We'll work to get you in for your exam as quickly as possible, and we¹ll handle the scheduling and insurance issues for you.

We¹ll work closely with your doctor to ensure you¹re getting the best care possible.

We¹ll explain your procedure to you completely, in terms you can understand.

We¹ll always treat you with kindness, honesty and respect, because you deserve it.

All exams will be reviewed and interpreted by a skilled, experienced, board-certified radiologist.

We¹ll report our findings to your doctor as quickly as possible, often the same day or within 24 hours. And we¹ll call them immediately with urgent findings.

We¹ll take the extra steps to ensure you are comfortable, and your experience is pleasurable.

MRI     [back to the top]

When seeking noninvasive methods of determining the extent of a problem, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a choice high on the list. MRI uses a magnetic field rather than X-rays to provide remarkably clear, detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.
Your doctor may recommend an MRI when other imaging procedures do not produce enough information about your medical condition. An MRI may also be used to rule out certain diseases and to identify medical problems in the brain and spine. The internal structures of many joints, such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist and ankle, can also be seen with clarity. And with 3-D magnetic resonance angiography, noninvasive imaging of blood vessels in the neck, chest, abdomen and legs can be performed.

Trust

If your doctor has recommended an MRI, ask them about Florida Radiology Consultants. We have over 15 board-certified radiologists on staff who offer state-of-the-art imaging and skilled image interpretation, plus leading-edge technology. Equally important, our support staff ‹which includes ARRT-certified technologists ‹ takes pride in providing courteous, professional service and making you feel as comfortable as possible. It¹s another reason why hundreds of area doctors have trusted us with their patients for over three decades.

Efficiency

At Florida Radiology Consultants, our rapid report turnaround also gives referring physicians and their patients confidence that they have been provided the high-quality imaging and service they deserve.

We know that you will be anxious to learn the results of your MRI exam, so reports are prepared and delivered promptly, often the same day or within 24 hours. In addition, Florida Radiology Consultants is the first outpatient imaging center in the area to offer a complete Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This allows your doctor to read the results of your exam and view key images on a secure website.

ELECTIVE IMAGING     [back to the top]

Good health is the key to a long and fulfilling life. It¹s also important to the quality of your day-to-day existence, even the simple things. Like your job, your family and your free time. The first step toward taking charge of your life is knowing and understanding the condition of your health. Here at Florida Radiology Consultants, that¹s what we do.

Using some of the most sophisticated health imaging technologies available in medicine today, we can identify unknown health problems early ‹ before they become more serious. Early detection means you can get the treatment you need... and get it in time to make a difference.

Trust

Thanks to our ARRT-certified technologists and board-certified, subspecialty-trained physicians, you can be confident that your health imaging procedure is being conducted by trained professionals and interpreted by respected doctors. What¹s more, our support staff takes pride in providing courteous, professional service and making you feel as comfortable as possible.