Angiography
Angiography is a specialised diagnostic imaging procedure where a catheter (small flexible tube) is threaded into an artery or vein, generally in the groin area. An Interventional Radiologist threads the tube using an x-ray monitor as a guide. When the catheter has reached the area to be examined a contrast (dye) is injected. The contrast clearly outlines the blood vessels and enables the Interventional Radiologist to see any irregularities or blockages. The images taken are called angiograms.
Computed Tomography – CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) uses low dosage x-rays to produce a volume of data that can be displayed as cross sections (slices) in multiple planes. This volumetric data may also be used to produce 3 dimensional images. The images can be digitally manipulated in order to display tissues of varying density from lung to bone. Any part of the body may be imaged using CT.
CIG provides low dose multislice CT services at all of our locations. We perform all routine imaging of the body including neurological, oncology, musculoskeletal and vascular (CT angiography), along with CT guided interventional procedures such as spinal injections and biopsies.
Our Deakin site offers an industry leading ultra low-dose 640 slice CT with advanced cardiac capabilities, and an increased gantry aperture to cater for larger and claustrophobic patients. Lifting equipment is available at our Deakin and Bruce Private Hospital sites for non-ambulant patients.
Imaging of the large bowel (CT colonography) is performed at our Bruce Private Hospital site, allowing complete evaluation of the large bowel where conventional colonoscopy has not been successful.
CIG has a dedicated team of CT radiographers who continually undergo intensive training and ongoing development.
Cone Beam CT
Planmeca ProMax 3D Max is Canberra Imaging Group’s newest medical imaging machine. It is used for endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, implantology, dental and maxillofacial surgery, and TMJ analysis. 3D imaging of the face and jaw using ultra low dose CT scanning.
DEXA Bone Densitometry
DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorption) Bone Densitometry is a method used for measuring the density of bone and diagnosing osteoporosis. If osteoporosis can be detected and treated early, the risk of a fracture as a result of osteoporosis is decreased significantly.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI
CIG provides MRI services at six locations in the ACT – Peter Yorke Building on the grounds of the Calvary John James Hospital in Deakin, the Calvary Bruce Private Hospital on the grounds of the Calvary Hospital campus in Bruce, the Brindabella Specialist Centre in Garran, the University Superclinic (USC) on the University of Canberra campus, Queanbeyan Super Clinic, within the Queanbeyan GP Superclinic and Goulburn X-Ray on Bourke street Goulburn. Early morning and late evening appointments are available to provide flexibility for our patients.
Our 6 modern Siemens MRI systems provide comprehensive examinations of varying body systems including brain, skeletal, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, central nervous system, prostate and breast. The 3T magnet provides excellent non-invasive diagnostic imaging of the prostate and breast. CIG has dedicated radiologists with special interest in prostate, breast, gastrointestinal and MSK imaging.
We perform imaging of the musculoskeletal system for all conditions such as joint injuries, muscle tears and tumours. Other common body regions scanned are the brain, spinal cord, breast and abdomen. CIG is the leader in the ACT for imaging of the small bowel in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.
Our Wide Bore MRI scanners cater for both larger and claustrophobic patients, providing more space and comfort for most examinations and helping to avoid any requirement for sedation. CIG has specifically designed MRI safe wheelchairs and trolleys to assist with immobile patients. Our Deakin and Bruce Private Hospital sites offer lifting equipment for patients that require transfer assistance.
CIG has a dedicated team of MRI radiographers who undergo continual intensive training. Our Radiologists and technical staff are committed to ongoing professional education and regularly attend Australia-wide conferences and events to ensure we are at the forefront of the latest advances and practices in MRI.
Mammography
Mammography plays a key role in the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram obtains information about a variety of breast conditions by the use of X-ray imaging of the breast. The technique uses compression of the breast tissue to obtain clear images. Views are taken from several angles to ensure complete coverage of both breasts. In addition to doing mammograms, CIG performs Hook Wire Localisations and vacuum assisted biopsies, also known as Mammotomes.
3D mammography examinations, now at Canberra Imaging Group’s Deakin and Bruce sites, help to eliminate most detection challenges with 2D mammography. Breast tissue is examined layer by layer with the X-ray arm sweeping in an arc over the breast, taking a series of images at various angles. To ensure radiation exposure is within recommended guidelines, very low X-ray energy is used during the procedure. At Canberra Imaging Group mammography is followed by ultrasound of the breast, which increases the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Nuclear Medicine
This branch of medicine uses radiation to provide information about the body’s anatomy of the functioning of specific organs. The information enables physicians to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis of conditions such as thyroid disorders, heart disease and bone fractures. The tests are painless and most scans expose patients to only minimal amounts of radiation and provide an effective means of examining whether some tissues are functioning properly. Therapy using nuclear medicine is an effective and safe way of controlling, and in some cases eliminating, conditions such as over-active thyroid, thyroid cancer and arthritis.
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography – PET/CT
A PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scan is an imaging procedure showing the chemical function of an organ or tissue from the PET, and the structure from a conventional diagnostic CT. PET/CT is an extremely sensitive test for detecting the early stages of disease and can show abnormalities even in the absence of structural changes. Small amounts of tumour may be found using PET/CT, even if they are undetectable by other imaging procedures, which can have an important impact on choosing the best treatment option. PET/CT information can be used to determine what combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is most likely to be successful in managing your cancer. PET/CT can also help to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and assist planning for surgery and radiation therapy.
SPECT/CT
CIG offers integrated SPECT/CT systems that can perform both functions on one gantry and provide fused functional and anatomic data in a single imaging session. In addition to allowing anatomic localisation of nuclear imaging findings, SPECT/CT also enables accurate and rapid attenuation correction of SPECT studies. These attributes have proved useful in many cardiac, general nuclear medicine, oncologic, and neurologic applications in which the SPECT results alone were inconclusive.
Ultrasound
The name ultrasound refers to the use of high frequency sound waves (too high for humans to hear) to produce images. The sonographer places a “transducer” on your skin which both generates the sound and receives echoes from structures inside your body. Computers and advanced software then convert the echo information into the image you see on the screen.
Most people may know that ultrasound is routinely used to monitor different stages of pregnancy. However, ultrasound can give valuable diagnostic information about many other parts of the body and disease processes. This includes imaging of abdominal organs, muscles and other organs referred to as “small parts”. A special ultrasound technique called Doppler gives information about blood flow in arteries and veins. Ultrasound is also frequently used to guide the placement of needles for biopsies and injections.
The ultrasound department has an up to date fleet of ultrasound machines. All sonographers are ASAR registered. CIG runs an intensive and highly regarded training program for sonographers entering the profession, along with scanning workshops and presentations for staff to remain at the top of their field.
