RT Image September 6, 2010 : Page 2ADVERTORIAL NEW TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES WORKFLOW AND PATIENT CARE UMASS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS As one of the participating centers in the landmark DMIST (Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial) study, UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, is at the forefront of the transition from analog to digital mammography. In fact, UMass physicist Dr. Andrew Karellas was instrumental in the early research and development of full-field digital mammography. The Comprehensive Breast Center at UMass Memorial is leading the way once more by being among the first in the nation to offer Hologic Selenia Dimensions 2D digital mammography. The Selenia Dimensions 2D system combines state-of-the-art imaging with multiple productivity enhancements on a flexible platform that can be configured for 3D breast imaging when and if breast tomosynthesis is approved by the FDA. Since the installation of its first unit in December 2009, the cutting-edge technology has enabled UMass Memorial Breast Center to streamline its workflow and improve patient care. SAME SUPERIOR IMAGE QUALITY, BETTER WORKFLOW For a breast center that sees approximately 35,000 patients a year, efficiency and productivity are essential when it comes to selecting technology. According to Mammography Manager Debbie Renczkowski, no single feature sets the Selenia Dimensions 2D system apart. Rather, it is a combination of features – like superior image quality, fast acquisition, an ergonomic design and efficient user interface – that makes it the “gold standard of mammography.“ As both a technologist working with the unit and a manager training my staff to use it, I can’t speak highly enough about the Selenia Dimensions 2D system,” says Renczkowski. “It appears Hologic took all of the suggestions we gave them for improving the Selenia and created the Selenia Dimensions 2D.” Several features contribute to the outstanding image quality, including the system’s advanced selenium direct capture detector and Hologic’s FAST Paddle technology. |2| September 6, 2010 “The Selenia Dimensions 2D system produces images with the finest detail you’d want to see in a mammogram, and the advanced paddle technology allows for more uniform compression and reduces motion,” says Renczkowski. “As a result, the images are so superior that we’ve really seen a reduction in the overall number of views we have to take.” A number of user-friendly design features – like the ergonomic gantry, biometric log-in and icon-driven interface contribute to UMass Memorial’s streamlined workflow. In addition, the paddle system automatically shifts the paddle to the next view in the preconfigured workflow, allowing technologists to move quickly through the exam. The fast cycle time results in nearly instantaneous image acquisition with a simultaneous display of priors on the three megapixel workstation monitor. The touchscreen display also enables technologists to easily make changes mid-exam. Whether it’s correcting an image or adding additional views, the Selenia Dimensions 2D system enables technologists to handle these situations with ease – and the time savings has contributed to significantly better patient care. Before the new system was installed, patients would often wait as long as 90 minutes for a screening mammogram. Although the breast center had three machines, only one was digital and many patients opted to wait for a digital exam. With the Selenia Dimensions 2D system, waiting times have diminished drastically. “Our workflow has improved significantly since we started using the new system. Patients are definitely waiting less and spending less time in the exam rooms,” says Renczkowski. “You’re just moving so quickly through the exam. Features like the fast cycle acquisition, the touchscreen display and the automatic paddles really give us the opportunity to get our patients in and out much faster.” With its commitment to being on the cutting edge of mammography technology, the Center also chose the Selenia Dimensions 2D system because of its potential for future applications. The physicians at UMass Memorial Breast Center are very interested in the possibility of offering 3D tomosynthesis if it becomes available in the United States. The Selenia Dimensions 2D system offered the perfect combination of state-of-the-art imaging and a flexible platform for the future. Clearly a champion of the technology, Renczkowski has a warning for facilities considering the Selenia Dimensions 2D sys-tem: Buy more than one. “We have multiple digital units, but only Hologic |
