Is a picture worth a thousand words? Only if it’s captured on the latest equipment, by certified Technologists, and interpreted by Board Certified Radiologists.

With a 64-slice CT scanner and 1.5 Tesla open bore high field MRI, we are the best equipped Imaging Center in the North Country. We also have an R2-image checker for more accurate mammography readings, 3D/4D ultrasound, and we are Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) capable, which means we can store and transmit images to Fletcher Allen Health Care providers or to your physician. Images are available for interpretation immediately.

Our Imaging Center is accredited by the FDA and the American College of Radiology. Our technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Learn about our team of radiologists:
G. Michael Maresca, MD, Chief of Imaging
Kirwin Gibbs, MD 
Gary Robbins, MD
Terence Schumpert, MD

We offer a full range of imaging capabilities. Click below to learn more.

Procedure Instructions for Patients

Computed Tomography (CT)

Better known as a CAT-scan, computed tomography, or CT, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging method that captures images in razor-thin “slices.” These slices are then digitally reassembled to allow detailed examination of the body. For most exams, you will lie on a table that moves in and out of the center of the machine’s gantry (the part that looks like a big donut hole) while images are captured. Contrast die is sometimes required, and that is injected before the test begins.

CT of the lungs

Throughout the world, lung cancer is the most commonly occurring form of cancer. Since the symptoms of this disease usually first appear in its advanced stages, the chances of recovery in such cases is often quite poor. However, if lung nodules can be diagnosed early enough before they have a chance to spread, it may be possible to treat this disease at this early stage when it is the least resistant to treatment, which may increase chances of a successful recovery.

CT of the heart

Early diagnosis of diseases or conditions leading to heart attack can ensure timely measures to reduce your risk factors and can help determine if follow-up treatment is necessary to help prevent the onset of heart disease.

Calcium scoring uses low-dose radiation to evaluate your blood vessels. A positive coronary calcium score result serves as a good indicator of the risk for certain types of heart attack.

CT-Coronary Angiography is a detailed examination performed by injecting a contrast medium in a brachial vein. ECG electrodes are positioned on the patient’s chest in order to synchronize the scanner exactly to the patient’s heart rate. This makes it possible to acquire a complete 3D scan of the heart—a virtual trip through the heart—without an invasive catheter. The examination takes only about 20 seconds. The physician can precisely pinpoint problems with the coronary vessels using this test.

CT of the bowel/intestines

Intestinal cancer currently ranks as the second-most common form of lethal carcinomas. The main risk of developing intestinal cancer results from polyps located in the large intestine, which may eventually grow to become malignant tumors. A CT examination of the bowel and intestine provides a less invasive procedure for early detection than a conventional colonoscopy. One advantage of conventional colonoscopy is that polyps or other abnormalities can be removed and biopsied immediately.

DEXA Scan (Bone Densitometry)

A bone mineral density test, also known as a DEXA scan, is the best way to determine the presence of osteoporosis. The test also assists physicians to determine the risk of fracture and monitor bone density changes over time. Bone densitometry is recommended for

• All women over age 65
• Postmenopausal women under age 65 suspected of having osteoporosis
• Any person taking therapy for osteoporosis
• Any person on or about to start on long-term glucocorticoid therapy
• People who have suffered frequent fractures

Diagnostic Invasive Procedures

Sometimes physicians will recommend taking a sample of tissue or fluid, or will order therapeutic drainage of fluid. Ultrasound, CT, fluoroscopy, and MRI, or a combination of these imaging methods can be used to perform these procedures, which include:

Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy

Soft tissue such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bone, breast, thyroid, or lymph nodes may be biopsied using this procedure.

Imaging-guided drainage/aspiration

Imaging may be used for placement of a drain and/or diagnostic sampling from an abscess. It may also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic thoracentesis and paracenthesis and for aspiration of cystic lesions for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic radiology uses x-rays to generate images of parts of the body, including the chest, abdomen, extremities, and spine. In additions, various procedures may be performed which require ingestion or injection of contrast dye. These procedures include upper gastrointestinal x-ray (UGI), esophogram, barium enema, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the soft tissue organs and vascular structures of the body. This method of imaging is completely safe, patient-friendly, and requires o patient preparation. Common ultrasound examinations include:

• Abdomen (gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas)
• Pelvic (uterus, ovaries, bladder, pregnancy)
• Small areas (thyroid, breast, scrotum, appendix)
• Vascular (abdominal, peripheral arteries and veins, carotid arteries)
• Obstetrics (3D/4D imaging)

Ultrasound technology may also be used to perform invasive procedures such as biopsies or fluid drainage.

Interventional Procedures

Non-vascular interventional procedures may be used to treat obstruction, to drain infections, and to obliterate tumors. These include nephrostomy tube placement, biliary drainage, abscess drainage, and biopsies of lung and other soft tissue tumors.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Potsdam Imaging Center has the most advanced MRI machine available in the North Country. The Siemens Espree 1.5 Tesla open bore high-field MRI combines the capability for detailed, accurate images with a 70cm wide-open bore. This reduces patient anxiety and allows larger patients access to high-quality imaging. Our Canton location is equipped with a 1.5 Tesla high-field Signa MRI.

MRI uses a very strong magnetic field combined with radiofrequencies to generate images of the body. These images can be produced in any plane and are very soft-tissue sensitive. This sensitivity is why MRI is such a good method to visualize the central nervous system and joints of the body.

With our advanced technology, we are able to perform many sophisticated and emerging applications, including MR Angiography (MRA, which non-invasively visualizes blood vessels in the neck, head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. MR spectroscopy allows us to evaluate brain function. Perfusion and Diffusion imaging allows us to visualize the blood flow to normal and abnormal brain tissue, as well as to evaluate for acute stroke. Task activation studies permit identification of certain parts of the brain to aid in surgical planning. Other current applications include:

• Brain: stroke, tumor, hemorrhage, trauma, seizures, abnormalities or diseases of the pituitary gland, and congenital abnormalities
• Orbit: trauma, infection, tumor, inflammatory diseases such as Graves, and Pseudotumor
• Neck: soft tissue masses including abscess and tumor
• Spine: degenerative disc disease, trauma, infection, tumor, congenital anomalies
• Chest: aneurysm, trauma, congenital anomalies, tumor detection and follow-up, and some cardiac applications
• Abdomen and pelvis: tumor detection and follow-up, trauma, aneurysm, infection, bile duct abnormalities (MRCP), gynecologic abnormalities
• Breast: silicone breast implant leaks, follow-up of mammographic abnormalities
• Musculoskeletal: joints, including the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand for degenerative changes, trauma, arthritis, bones, tumor, infection, trauma
• MR Angiography (MRA): arteries and veins of the intracranial, neck, chest, abdomen—including kidney and visceral—and upper and lower extremity looking for narrowing, obstruction, clots, and aneurysms.

Mammography

Mammography is the best screening tool available today for breast cancer because it can find cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable. Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers next-day mammography appointments in both Potsdam and Canton, and offers extended hours.

We also participate in North Country Mobile Mammography, which provides mammography on a mobile coach that travels to senior centers, community halls, and places of business. NCMM offers low-cost and free mammograms to women who qualify.

Mammography is an x-ray technique used to detect breast cancer and other breast conditions. In order to capture the best image possible, the breast tissue must be flattened or compressed. Although this may be uncomfortable for some women, it will not harm the breast in any way. Compression also means a lower dose of radiation may be used.  In the standard exam, two images of the breast are captured, one from the top and one from the side.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital uses special pads and angle paddles to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with mammography.

Other breast imaging techniques include ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy, in which a computer-guided needle takes a tissue sample for a diagnosis of an area of concern. It is a less invasive method for obtaining tissue than surgery, and requires less recovery time. Your physician can help you judge which option is best for you.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive particles attached to compounds which are administered to patients and distributed throughout the body. The small amount of radiation given off is then recorded by a gamma camera, which produces an image for interpretation. Nuclear medicine tests evaluate physiology and provide a very useful correlation to other forms of diagnostic imaging, which are primarily based on anatomy.

Nuclear medicine techniques can be used to evaluate the function of many organ systems and the presence and severity of multiple disease processes, including cancer.

• Central nervous system: the brain can be evaluated in patients with stroke and seizures. Special scans are available to look for brain tumors, particularly in those patients with previous surgery or radiation therapy. The flow of blood to the brain and movement of fluid around the brain can also be examined
• Cardiovascular system: the function of the heart can be measured and the presence of coronary artery disease detected. Also, the heart can be imaged to determine if living tissue is present after a heart attack
• Endocrine system: disease of the thyroid can be diagnosed and treated, including hyperthyroidism and cancer. Tumors of the parathyroid glands can be imaged and localized. Certain tumors of the pancreas and adrenal glands can also be detected
• Gastrointestinal system: the function of the liver and biliary system can be evaluated for dysfunction and obstruction as well as leakage. Studies are available to detect and localize bleeding in the bowel and certain liver tumors. The function of the stomach can also be measured. Specific intestinal anomalies can be imaged as well
• Genitourinary system: the kidneys and bladder can be tested and kidney function measured. Using special techniques, urinary obstruction, infection, and kidney-mediated hypertension can be diagnosed. These same tests can be used on transplanted kidneys
• Miscellaneous: scans can be performed to map the lymphatic drainage from known cancers to aid surgeons in finding lymph nodes that may be involved, particularly in patients with breast cancer and melanoma
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): PET scanning uses sugar attached to a special radiographic particle to map the metabolic activity in various tissues and is very useful in the detection of many cancers and their spread throughout the body

Nursing Services

Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Imaging Center employs Registered Nurses to provide a wide array of patient care services. Our nurses have acute and critical care backgrounds; they are Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)-certified and have extensive experience meeting patients’ needs in imaging settings. The nursing services provided include:

Administration of sedation/analgesia

• Relief and management of pain caused or exacerbated by procedures
• Prevention/control of anxiety
• Treatment of claustrophobia
• Facilitation of patient cooperation during the procedure to ensure the best image

Other nursing functions

• Patient/family instruction
• Medication administration
• Patient monitoring and observation
• Start/maintenance of IV therapy
• Urinary catheterization
• Injection of radiopharmaceuticals