Technology

The Department of Radiology at NorthShore University HealthSystem aspires to provide the most advanced medical technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in theChicago region and to advance those technologies through research in order to improve patient care. Technologies available include: 

High Field Semi-Open MRI The utilization of the “semi-open” MRI is to provide the option of having an MRI exam to those who cannot tolerate a closed scan. The Semi-open MRI at Skokie Hospital is one of the few high-field open magnets (0.7 Tesla magnet strength) in the area.  This scanner can perform all MRI exams (such as head, spine, abdomen and knee exams) with the following exceptions: those dealing with gated cardiac scans and diffusion MRI.
3T MRI Primarily used for research, the 3T MRI uses the strongest magnetic field used clinically today and gives physicians access to many applications, including neurology and functional neurology evaluation, orthopedic and cartilage assessment, and breast, vascular and cardiac imaging.  It offers exceptional patient comfort with a large, patient-friendly 70-cm opening.
1.5T MRI The 1.5T MRI is for whole-body anatomical coverage and enables feet-first exams for nearly all MR procedures.  It aids the physician in fast and precise evaluation of systemic diseases like colon cancer, metastasis imaging, vessel diseases and preventional exams.
Open Bore 1.5T MRI The large open bore 1.5T MRI is the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet available. Approximately four feet long, the magnet allows more than 60 percent of exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore, helping to ease claustrophobia.  Its opening is nearly 2.3 feet in diameter.
64 Slice CT Scanner The speed of the 64-slice CT scanner can gather a high-resolution image of a heart, brain or both lungs in less than five seconds. A scan of the whole body can be produced in about 30 seconds. The 64 Slice CT scanner has also allowed for the technology to be an alternative to conventional angiography or cardiac catheterization. The procedure is less invasive and produces excellent imaging.
Digital Mammography With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors.  The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom for close ups of specific areas of interest.  Digital mammography images can be viewed in seconds allowing the mammographer to confirm proper positioning reducing the likelihood of having to come back for additional images.