Praxis am Himmelsberg

Radiology Practice in the ev. Krankenhaus Zweibrücken

Radiology is range of medical techniques used to obtain and interpret medical images. These images can be obtained by using x-rays, sound waves (ultrasound) or the body's natural magnetism (MRI). Radiologists use such imaging technologies to diagnose and treat disease.

Diagnostic Techniques used in the Radiology Department of the ev. Krankenhaus Zweibrücken

Computer Tomography - sometimes called CT or CAT scanning
CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images can then be examined on a computer monitor. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. The majority of CT examinations take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a modern method that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed digital pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes.

X-ray Radiology
X-rays are made using ionizing radiation, which carries a very small risk. The likelihood of developing cancer later in life as a result of x-rays is lower than from natural radiation found in the environment; nevertheless your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risk before making an x-ray in order to minimize even the small risk. This is particularly the case for young people and pregnant women.

In Germany, each patient can have the information found during x-ray entered into an "x-ray passport" which he or she can take with him/her in printed or CD form to show other doctors.

When a new patient visits a radiology practice for the first time, he or she will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire that includes information on previous x-rays.

Sonography - also known as Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Ultrasound images can show the structure, form, size and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. The process takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Digital Radiography
Digital radiography is a form of x-ray where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. It's faster than conventional x-ray, because there is no film to develop, and less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography. The resulting digital image can be saved as part of the patient’s medical record.

Digital Mammography
Mammography uses a low-dose x-ray system to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women; as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and also to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. In digital mammography, the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors, similar to those found in digital cameras, that convert x-rays into electrical signals. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is essentially the same as having a conventional film screen mammogram. It is important to detect breast cancer early, when it is more curable and breast-conservation treatments are available.

Angiography
Angiography is used to examine blood vessels. A contrast material is injected into a vein in the hand or arm and the resulting images help to detect, for instance, aneurysms or atherosclerotic disease. During the examination, which can take up to one and a half hours, some procedures, such as widening of blocked arteries or removing blood clots can be performed.

Appointments available at short notice

Praxis am Himmelsberg
Radiologische Praxis im Evangelischen Krankenhaus
Obere Himmelsbergstrasse 38
66482 Zweibrücken

Tel.: 06332 - 48 19 280
Telefax: 06332 - 48 19 28 2175

Email: Praxis am Himmelsberg

Internet: www.praxis-am-himmelsberg.de(external link)