Cardiac Imaging 
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton offers advanced cardiac diagnostic imaging and is pleased to be the only hospital in Denton County to offer imaging using the revolutionary 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner which provides patients the fastest and least invasive method of coronary angiogram. 

Compared with traditional diagnostic tools, the CCTA is able to show physicians a 3-D high-definition image of the heart and provide more conclusive results to determine if a patient will need further treatment.  

During a 64-slice CCTA, the CT scans the heart and captures 192 images per second, which are then reconstructed to create an image of the heart, including the arteries. Because it only requires 10 minutes to perform and has no recovery time needed, it is also the quickest method for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

This type of imaging may be utilized if a patient has some of the following risk factors:

• Family history of heart disease
• Elevated calcium plaque score from a heart scan
• Current or former smoker
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity or were obese
• Diabetes

Women's Imaging 
Texas Health Denton is making it easier for women to take care of their diagnostic and imaging needs at the Women's Imaging Center.

Occupying the second floor of The Center for Women, the Women's Imaging Center provides advanced breast diagnostics. The facility features two mammography suites, an ultrasound suite, a stereotactic breast procedure suite, and a bone densitometry suite.

Skilled technologists and friendly personnel handle patients' needs. A radiologist is on-site at the center to accommodate patients' imaging needs and schedules.

"We have experienced professionals to to handle all of our patients' needs," said Lori Favors, a mammographer at the center. "We treat our patients like family, with warmth and quality care."

"We are bringing a high level of women's healthcare services to the residents of Denton and surrounding areas," said Melissa Buffington, director of Women's Services for Texas Health Denton. "The Women's Imaging Center provides comprehensive imaging services in a convenient and timely manner, and we are doing it with advanced breast diagnostics technology."

New Technology Available
The Women's Imaging Center was the first in Denton to offer the stereotactic biopsy, which enables breast biopsies to be performed immediately if needed.

Stereotactic biopsy is the least-invasive breast biopsy procedure. It allows the patient to experience less pain during the procedure and receive results more quickly. The sooner a patient knows the results, the sooner she can move forward with treatment, if necessary, and have peace of mind. Although 1.6 million biopsies are performed in the United States annually, the majority of them are found to be non-cancerous.

Stereotactic biopsy is typically performed in less than an hour. A tissue sample is obtained with a probe that draws, cuts, and removes the tissue using a gentle vacuum. Alternative procedures to stereotactic biopsy may require anesthesia and stitches. This unique procedure allows a marker to be placed at the abnormal tissue to help manage follow-up care.

If an excisional biopsy is warranted, a breast localization procedure can be performed at the Center to assist the surgeon. A radiologist will determine the most appropriate procedure for patients on a case-by-case basis.

Screening is Critical
According to the American Cancer Society, women age 40 and older should have a mammogram annually. Women with a personal or family history of the disease may be advised by their physician to begin annual mammograms earlier. Early detection can save lives and increase treatment options.
 
The mammography suite at the Women's Imaging Center features equipment with the lowest dose of radiation available. A mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast, is used to look for breast disease in women. During the procedure, the breast is pressed between two plates to flatten and spread the tissue. Although there is some pressure and discomfort for a few seconds, it is important to get a good picture of the breast tissue.

The American Cancer Society reports about one in 10 women who get a mammogram will need more pictures taken, but most of these women do not have breast cancer. Out of every 1,000 mammograms performed, only one or two result in a diagnosis of cancer.

Other Services
The Women's Imaging Center also features an ultrasound suite where women can take care of ultrasound needs including breast health, pelvic health, or obstetrics. The ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce images, is often used during breast biopsy procedures.

A bone densitometry suite is also available to provide osteoporosis screenings. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes bones to become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break. Post-menopausal women are encouraged to undergo bone density tests every two to three years.