Radiological Technology

general photography

There are a total of 6 radiography rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors for each site, hospitalization, and outpatient. Through efficient operation, we are striving to shorten the waiting time for imaging and to pay attention to patient privacy. In addition, we have introduced a flat panel system in all six rooms, and all images are computerized to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose.

mammography

We have introduced a digital mammography machine with a tomosynthesis function (tomogram), and we also conduct examinations for the purpose of detailed examination such as breast cancer screening and biopsy. The mammography radiography is mainly performed by certified mammography technologists, and female technologists are in charge.

Bone mineral determination

A test that uses X-rays to measure bone density. At our hospital, we use the DEXA method, which is the most reliable measurement method, instead of a simple measurement method. It is mainly measured at the lumbar spine and proximal femur. The measurement results are used for the diagnosis and follow-up of osteoporosis and treatment decisions. This inspection supports fax reservations.

Our hospital's TV and endoscopy department operates two C-arm type digital X-ray TV systems and three other X-ray TV systems. All equipment is equipped with a system equipped with an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), and we are working to improve image quality and reduce radiation exposure. By owning multiple units, we are able to respond flexibly to inspections and strive for efficient operation. In addition, we can handle emergency examinations and treatments 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The C-arm type digital X-ray device with a large monitor shown in the photograph is mainly used for examination and treatment of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic region by Gastroenterology such as ERCP and PTCD. In addition, bronchoscopy by Respiratory Medicine, myelography by Orthopedic Surgery, and three other TV fluoroscopes are used for examination and treatment by Urology, surgery, radiology and general medicine.

What is a CT scan?

CT (Computed Tomography) is an imaging method that obtains sliced images of the inside of the body by applying X-rays to the body placed in the center of the device and analyzing the transmitted X-ray information with a computer. . It is possible to capture a wide range of images in a short period of time, and from the captured data, cross-sections in various directions can be cut out and 3D images can be created.

In addition, by injecting a drug called "contrast agent" into the vein and taking pictures, it is possible to obtain more detailed information such as blood vessels and lesions.

CT equipment in our hospital

The 320-slice ADCT performs approximately 1,500 coronary artery CT scans annually, providing image support for ablation, TAVI, and bypass surgery.
In addition, dual energy CT provides images with more information than regular CT examinations and conducts examinations with a small amount of contrast agent.

Inspection notes

If any of the following applies to you, please consult your doctor in advance.

CT examination in general

• Those who are pregnant or may be pregnant
• Those using a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

When performing a contrast examination

• Those who have had an allergy to iodinated contrast agents in the past
• Those who are undergoing treatment for bronchial asthma or those who have used asthma drugs within 3 years
• Those with serious heart, liver, or kidney damage
• Those with iodine hypersensitivity and hyperthyroidism

For those who can undergo an imaging examination

Contrast enhancement is the use of a contrast agent to improve the contrast between tissues and increase the amount of information in the image. It also makes it possible to clearly visualize blood vessels and tumors. The contrast medium is injected into a vein such as the arm. You may feel hot during the injection, but this is due to the nature of the medicine, so there is no need to worry.

Contrast agent allergy

• Contrast allergy can range from sneezing, rashes, itching, and nausea to shock symptoms. Please let us know immediately if anything changes. In addition, symptoms may appear after some time has passed since the examination, so in that case, please contact our hospital.

Precautions for Contrast Imaging

• In order to undergo a contrast agent test, blood collection data (eGFR) that examines kidney function within 6 months from the test date is required. This is because the contrast medium is excreted through the kidneys, and patients with remarkably low renal function may be changed to simple examinations that do not use contrast medium.
• The contrast agent is excreted in urine. After the examination, be conscious and drink plenty of water.
• Patients taking biguanide antidiabetic drugs should stop taking them for about 2 days after the test.
• At our hospital, there are no restrictions on breastfeeding after an imaging test, but if you have any concerns, please contact your doctor.

Inspection flow

~Reception~

Note) If you have been instructed to come to the hospital, please come at the time as instructed.
If blood sampling data is required before the CT examination and there is an instruction for blood sampling, please collect blood at least 1 hour before the appointment time.
In addition, if a patient undergoing cardiac examination is instructed to decide on the presence or absence of drugs to suppress heartbeat on the day of the examination,
Please come at least 1 hour before your reservation time.

~Before inspection~

Depending on the content of the examination, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. The examination gown will be handed to you at the reception, so please change into it in the changing room. Make sure there are no metal objects (dentures, hairpins, necklaces, body warmers, etc.) within the shooting range. After changing, please wait in the middle waiting room.

For contrast-enhanced examination

For examinations using a contrast agent, the agent is injected into a vein such as the arm to inject the contrast agent. At that time, we will inquire about the presence or absence of allergies in past imaging examinations, the presence or absence of bronchial asthma, and the use of diabetes medicine. We will also ask your weight to determine the amount of contrast medium to use.

~under inspection~

Inspection time is about 5 to 20 minutes. Special inspections may take longer. Please do not move your body during the examination. In addition, depending on the part to be imaged, you may be required to hold your breath. Please be assured that we are always observing you on the monitor during the inspection. If anything has changed, please let us know with the buzzer we give you.

~After inspection~

If you have used a contrast medium, drink more water than usual to facilitate the excretion of the contrast medium. If you have any concerns, please contact the staff in charge.

3D-CT

3D images can be created from CT data. Furthermore, by using a contrast agent together, it becomes easier to visually grasp the relationship between disease, blood vessels, and other organs, making it possible to provide images that are effective for treatment such as surgery.

At our hospital, we create many 3D images using image analysis equipment (workstations) such as ZioStation2 (manufactured by Amine), VINCENT (manufactured by Fujifilm Medical), and Advantage Workstation (manufactured by GE).

coronary 3D

3D-CTA (CT-Angiography)

Other 3D images

What is MRI examination?

An MRI test is a test that uses magnetism and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body by entering a tube made of a powerful magnet.
Due to the effects of this magnetism and radio waves, you may feel a tingling sensation or your body temperature may rise during the test, but please rest assured that this will not affect your body after the test. Additionally, since images are obtained without using radiation, there is no need to worry about radiation exposure.
At our clinic, we perform examinations on every part of the body, from head to toe. It is especially useful for diagnosing the brain, spinal cord/vertebrae, joints, uterus, and prostate. However, due to the long imaging time, we are unable to perform a wide range of inspections in one inspection.

The inspection takes approximately 15 to 60 minutes depending on the content of the inspection.

MRI equipment in our hospital

Main building 1: SIEMENS MAGNETOM Vida fit 3.0T (2024.3~)
Main Building 2: SIEMENS MAGNETOM Avanto fit 1.5T Upgrade (2021.1~)
Main building 3: Philips Ingenia Elition (2022.2~)
Main building 4: SIEMENS MAGNETOM Vida 3.0T (2023.6~)
South Building: GE Signa Explorer 1.5T SIGNA EXPLORE12 AIR IQ Edition (2021.6~)

Notes

Those who may not be able to undergo an MRI examination

If you fall under any of the following items, you may not be able to undergo the test, or you may need to have a medical examination before or after the test. Please consult with your doctor in advance.

• Those with cardiac pacemakers/cochlear implants
• Those who have implanted medical devices (DBS, VNS, SCS, ITB, etc.)
  *Even if the product is conditionally MRI compatible, it may not be possible to undergo testing due to the maintenance and structure of our hospital.
• Those who have metal in their bodies
  (Artificial femoral heads/joints, cerebral artery clips, stents, coils, endoscopic clips, insulin infusion pumps, etc.)
• Those who are inserting a shunt valve
  (Prior doctor by a Neurosurgery is required. If the shunt valve is not compatible with our hospital, we cannot undergo the examination.)
• Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant
  *Those who are less than 13 weeks pregnant cannot take the test.
• Those with tattoos or permanent makeup
• claustrophobia
• Those who have metal of unknown material in their body
  (Prior confirmation from the hospital and Diagnostic Radiology where the surgery was performed is required.)

In addition, if we determine that it is not safe to undergo the inspection, we may suspend or cancel the inspection, or ask for time for confirmation. Please note.

Items that cannot be brought into the examination room

Please remove the following items as they may interfere with the inspection, cause malfunctions, or cause burns.

・ Electronic devices (smartphones, mobile phones, etc.)
Precious metals (watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, hairpins, etc.)
・ Glasses, hearing aids, dentures, compresses, electric vans, etc.
・Patch, warmer, nicotine patch, etc.
・Glucose measuring device (FreeStyle Libre, etc.)
・ Underwear with metal parts, underwear made of heat-retaining material
(Bras, heattech innerwear, etc.)
・Colored contact lenses, Define contact lenses
・Magnetic nails, gel nails
・ Magnetic cards (parking tickets, medical tickets, cash cards, etc.)
・ Masks with metal wires/coated masks containing metal components

(Before the examination, everyone will be asked to change to an MRI-compatible mask.)

*In addition to the above, there may be cases in which you are unable to bring your item into the examination room and may be asked to remove it. Please note.

About Contrast Imaging

The role of contrast agents in MRI examinations is to examine diseases in more detail that cannot be distinguished by simple examinations (inspections without contrast agents). Contrast media may not be used in the following cases. Please let us know in advance.

• Those with renal dysfunction
• Those who have had side effects from the use of contrast agents in MRI in the past
• Current asthma or history of asthma/allergies
• pregnant
• Those who are breast-feeding (It is known that a very small amount is excreted in breast milk. It is considered a safe amount, but if you are concerned, please refrain from breast-feeding for 24 hours. Please consult with your doctor. )

Additionally, if you are taking medication that suppresses heart rate (β-blockers), please let us know in advance as treatment will be different if side effects occur due to the contrast agent.

Since the contrast agent is excreted in the urine, a recent blood draw (result of renal function) is required. If you have a blood test on the day, it may take time (about 1 hour) to check the results. Also, if you have used a contrast medium, please drink a little more water than usual.

Inspection flow

~Before coming to the hospital~

In order to undergo the test safely, you will be asked to change into a test gown regardless of the area being tested. On the day of your appointment, please wear light clothing and wear as little make-up as possible, refrain from wearing any adhesives or accessories. You will also be asked to remove dentures, hearing aids, wigs, masks with wires, etc.

Depending on the area to be imaged (particularly the abdomen or bladder), there may be restrictions on eating, drinking, and urinating before the test, as listed below, so please check the MRI test reservation table and follow doctor 's instructions.
・For tests where you are instructed to fast for 3 hours, please be sure to fast without eating or drinking for 3 hours before your scheduled test time.
・If you have been instructed to refrain from urinating for 1 hour before the test or if your doctor has instructed you to do so, please finish urinating at least 1 hour before your scheduled test time.

What to bring for the inspection

• Patient registration card
• Reservation table
• MRI examination checklist Consent form for use of contrast medium

~Reception~

Please come to reception 15 minutes before your reservation time.

We will check the checklist and consent form and guide you on changing clothes.

~Before inspection~

Please ensure that there are no metal or magnetic items on your person in the changing room.
*For details, please refer to "What cannot be brought into the examination room".
Once you have finished changing, please put your belongings in the locker and wait in the waiting area with your checklist and consent form.
If you have any concerns about pregnancy, claustrophobia, etc., please consult the technician or nurse in charge.

~under inspection~

When shooting, there is a loud sound like a construction site. We will give you headphones and earplugs. Please do not move during the inspection. Depending on the part to be imaged, breath-holding or a contrast agent may be used.

*Masks containing metal wires and coating masks containing metal components must be removed during the inspection.
When you are guided to the examination room, you will be asked to change to an MRI compatible mask.

~After inspection~

After the inspection, you will be asked to change clothes and it will be the end.

In the angiography department, 6 high-performance angiography devices are in operation, and various endovascular surgeries (IVR-Interventional Radiology) in the head and neck area, cardiovascular area, abdominal vascular area, and other systemic vascular areas are performed. I'm here.
In addition, the angiography department is located within a minute's distance from the emergency outpatient department, enabling prompt response to emergency patients requiring emergency IVR 24 hours a day.
As a member of the team medical care, the Radiological Technology strives to create an environment for prompt treatment and to provide images that support safe and reliable endovascular treatment.

Angiography room equipment list

head and neck area

In the head and neck area, we perform vascular embolization (coil embolization) for cerebral aneurysms, thrombectomy for cerebral infarction, and stent dilatation for carotid artery stenosis. In addition to equipment quality control, the Radiological Technology assists doctor in diagnosing and treating patients by creating 3D images and measuring lesion sizes.

For stroke, we have established a stroke hotline that can be called directly by ambulance personnel 24 hours a day, and a joint team of Neurosurgery and Neurology is working. Particularly in the treatment of cerebral infarction, it is extremely important to recanalize blood vessels as quickly as possible. At our hospital, a team of doctor, nurses, and radiological technologists has built a system that enables stroke diagnosis to treatment without time loss.

Cardiovascular area

In the cardiovascular field, we have three FPD-equipped biplane angiography systems, which are used for "catheter treatment for ischemic heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc.)" and "pacemaker insertion for bradyarrhythmia." are being implemented. In addition, "myocardial ablation catheter ablation", which is a representative treatment method for tachyarrhythmia, is being actively performed, and by using the cutting-edge 3D navigation system together, it is possible to reduce the exposure dose. has made safer and more reliable treatment possible.

In addition, we have introduced ECPR for patients with cardiopulmonary arrest. ECPR is a procedure in which the patient is transported to an angiography room while performing cardiac massage, and after maintaining circulatory dynamics by performing up to the insertion of a heart-lung machine (PCPS), the cause is carefully examined and treated with a cardiac catheter. Experienced doctor, facilities with advanced medical equipment, and above all, harmonious cooperation among medical staff are essential. The angiography department is always prepared to support the rehabilitation of as many cardiopulmonary arrest patients as possible by practicing simulation training for ECPR on a daily basis.

Abdominal Vascular Area/Other Systemic Vascular Area

In the abdominal vascular field, we have introduced an "IVR-CT system" that has an angiography device and a CT device installed in the same room. The CT system is equipped with a 320-slice ADCT, which enables the acquisition of a wide range of data necessary for morphological, dynamic, and functional diagnosis in a short period of time. With this device, we perform "IVR for abdominal and systemic blood vessels by the Department of Diagnostic Radiology", "TACE for liver cancer by the Department of Gastroenterology", and "Shunt expansion for dialysis patients by the Department of Nephrology". In addition, we also carry out "CT-guided biopsy/drainage" using a CT device.

The Radiological Technology operates the equipment and assists doctor by creating and measuring images taken during treatment.

In the operating room department, we have introduced 2 portable FPD-equipped units and 4 mobile C-arms dedicated to operating rooms and ICUs to support imaging in 19 operating rooms and ICUs. In addition, by installing a CT device in a position adjacent to the operating room and ICU, patients with high urgency and high risk of movement, such as patients who have just undergone surgery or patients who are hospitalized in the ICU and are using life support equipment We make your diagnosis fast and safe.

In addition, the operating room department is equipped with two "hybrid operating room systems." A hybrid operating room is a system that combines an operating room and an angiography system. , by combining equipment that was installed in different places, it corresponds to the latest medical technology.

Operating room/ICU equipment list

Operating room 1 hybrid single plane

Operating room 1 is used for surgery in the cardiovascular area, and in April 2022, the equipment was updated to become a state-of-the-art hybrid angiography system. Features of this device include high image quality and low radiation exposure, freely movable C-arm, and fusion image of fluoroscopic image and ultrasound device. Furthermore, the image monitor is enriched and the image display can be changed freely. It is used for various surgeries such as transcatheter aortic valve placement (TAVI), aortic stent graft placement (TEVER/EVAR), ASD, PFO, Watchman, and pacemaker placement.

Operating room hybrid biplane

Operating room 4 is mainly used for Neurosurgery, and is equipped with a biplane fluoroscopy system. By using a fluoroscope during surgery, it is possible to construct a 3D image using a contrast agent, enabling detailed blood vessel evaluation and improving treatment results and safety.

In addition, it is used for evaluation after craniotomy clipping for cerebral aneurysms, etc., and it is possible to reliably judge the surgical effect before closing the craniotomy part, and it is possible to reduce the risk of reoperation.

operating room 4

Our hospital has an ER-type critical care center, which receives an average of ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare notation emergency patients and more than 10,000 ambulances each year. It has been ranked number one in Japan for eight consecutive years (as of 2022).

The Radiological Technology has an X-ray room and a CT room dedicated to emergencies in the Critical Care Center and is fully operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In addition, along with the establishment of a new coronavirus-dedicated ward, a temporary CT room has been established, and radiation work is being practiced with infection prevention measures. In addition, we also have a portable device equipped with FPD for emergency use and a mobile C-arm fluoroscopy device, so we can respond quickly to all emergency cases from primary to tertiary emergency patients.

Emergency outpatient equipment list

Emergency X-ray room

We have a dedicated X-ray room that is directly connected to the emergency outpatient department, and we can handle all types of imaging, from patients who are walking alone to patients who need to be transported to a bed. We also have a dedicated photography table for infant photography, so you can take pictures safely.

Emergency CT room

The 320-slice ADCT device newly introduced in 2021 provides high-speed imaging that can provide images with little blurring over a wide area, perfusion imaging that can detect cerebral infarction with high accuracy by imaging the whole brain over time, and many more images. State-of-the-art inspection such as Dual Energy imaging that adds information is possible. In addition, AiCE (Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine), the latest image reconstruction technology designed using artificial intelligence (AI), enables diagnosis with high-quality images.

[Portable device with FPD for emergency use] [Mobile C-arm fluoroscopy device for emergency use]

Infection control CT room

Next to the emergency outpatient department of our hospital, there is a "new coronavirus-dedicated ward" where patients with moderate to severe symptoms are hospitalized. The infection control CT room was built adjacent to the new coronavirus ward, and the CT equipment that was actually used in the emergency outpatient department was relocated. Since it can perform not only “simple CT” but also “whole-body contrast-enhanced CT”, it plays an important role in the medical treatment of inpatients in the new coronavirus-dedicated ward.

3D lab room

In 2017, we opened an image processing room (3D Lab) with a 3D workstation. By creating a 3D representation of the organ structure in the body, it is possible to grasp the positional relationship between lesions, blood vessels, organs, etc. in detail before surgery, and it is used for surgical planning and surgical simulation.

CT、MRI、RIなどマルチモダリティで撮影した画像を合成させることで、解剖学的情報と生理学的情報を併せ持った画像が作成でき、臓器の切除範囲などをより精密に決定することが可能になります。また、筋肉量や臓器/腫瘍の容量、血管径などを定量的に測定でき、診断基準の判定材料や定期フォローの客観的な指標として利用できます。3Dラボ室に画像処理専任の技師を配置することで、オペレータの技術の向上と効率化が得られ、従来と比べ質の高い画像処理が可能となり、患者様への低侵襲医療、高度先端医療の提供に貢献しています。

In addition, by equipping the in-hospital electronic medical record terminal with a network-type 3D workstation, image processing can be performed not only in the 3D laboratory room, but also anywhere in the hospital, allowing us to respond quickly to the requests of doctor.

3D lab room equipment list

External irradiation

External irradiation is performed by irradiating the body with high-energy X-rays or electron beams from outside using a linac (linear accelerator). Our hospital has three linacs, which are capable of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and can perform high-precision multi-port irradiation, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). Depending on the case, we can also use the respiratory gating system RGSC (Respiratory Gating for Scanners) to take respiratory movement into consideration during treatment.

TrueBeam, equipped with a 2.5mm beam narrowing mechanism (multi-leaf collimator: MLC), can create a more fitted irradiation field than ever before for small lesions such as brain metastases and lesions with complex shapes, making it possible to reduce the dose to normal organs. In addition, high-dose rate X-ray irradiation with a flattering filter free (FFF) can be selected, making it possible to perform IMRT and SRT with high precision in a short time.

ExacTrac system

This system installs X-ray imaging devices on the floor and ceiling of the room where the linear accelerator is located, and uses the X-ray image information to match the patient's position with six-axis correction, achieving high-precision radiation therapy.
The ExacTracDynamic system incorporates a new technology, a 4D thermal surface camera, that combines traditional X-ray image guidance with thermal surface guidance to enable verification and correction of patient position during treatment.
In addition, the automatic X-ray photography function makes it possible to match X-ray images during linear accelerator beam irradiation. X-ray image matching can be performed at any gantry angle, and if an error exceeding a threshold is detected, the linear accelerator irradiation can be interrupted.

Intracavitary irradiation (Remote After Loading System: RALS)

Intracavitary irradiation is a treatment method in which a radioactive material called a brachytherapy source is inserted near or inside the lesion to irradiate radiation from inside the body. The closer the radiation source is, the higher the dose is, and the farther the distance from the radiation source, the higher the dose, and the greater the distance from the radiation source, the more rapidly the dose decreases.

Permanent interstitial irradiation (¹²⁵ I)

For brachytherapy, we perform "permanent prostate implant therapy using a seed radiation source (¹²⁵ I brachytherapy)."

PET/CT

We have introduced three PET/CT scanners, which can obtain highly accurate fusion images with respiratory synchronization, clearly diagnose the location and extent of lesions, and are excellent for tumor search throughout the body. We perform FDG-PET and amyloid PET tests. These tests are also requested by other hospitals. We plan to update the PET/CT equipment this year.

SPECT/CT

Anatomical position information and functional information can be obtained in a single examination, and in addition to one SPECT/CT unit that enables image quality improvement through absorption correction, one SPECT/CT unit equipped with a 16-slice MDCT has been introduced to improve diagnostic accuracy. We offer a high level of inspection.

We mainly perform bone scintigraphy, cerebral blood flow scintigraphy, and myocardial blood flow scintigraphy.

Internal radioisotope therapy

In cooperation with Diabetes/ Endocrinology we provide internal therapy using ¹⁷⁷ Lu for neuroendocrine tumors and ¹³¹ I for thyroid cancer metastases. Until now, internal therapy using ¹³¹ I was only available for hospitalized patients, but it can now be administered on an outpatient basis depending on the condition. In cooperation with Radiation Oncology, we provide internal therapy using ²²³ Ra for castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases.