Desert Radiology Chronicles Radiology History and Reaffirms Its Commitment to Medical Imaging Excellence

Since its founding in 1966, Desert Radiology has offered the highest quality procedures using state-of-the-art equipment. To serve our mission of transforming radiology through medical imaging excellence, our team at Desert Radiology has committed to keeping up with the latest advancements in the industry to provide the highest quality care for our patients. This month we celebrated National Radiologic Technology Week and thought we’d chronicle the history of radiology and our part in staying current with modern radiologic technologies.

 X-ray imaging techniques have changed drastically since their revolutionary discovery by German engineer Wilhelm Röntgen on November 8, 1895. In 1958, Scottish obstetrician Ian Donald developed the first ultrasound for medical use. Using this new technology, Donald managed to observe the growth and health of fetuses and study lumps, cysts and fibroids. Three years later, in 1961, James Robertson built the first single-plane positron emission tomography (PET) scan machine. This type of imaging used a special dye containing radio tracers that were swallowed or injected into a patient’s vein to elevate image clarity. Doctors often used PET scans to detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.

Computer technology began integrating with radiology techniques in 1971 when Godfrey Hounsfield built the first prototype computerized tomography (CT) scan machine. This technological advancement combined x-rays with computer software to create three-dimensional cross-sectional images of the human body. Two years later, Paul Lauterbur developed a way to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional magnetic resonance images (MRI). This technique used strong magnets to align proton atoms in water molecules inside the body. After the magnet is turned off, the protons resume their normal spin and emit energy. Because different tissues in the body emit different energy, MRI scans are able detect this energy and produce pictures of various body tissues. Both imaging techniques are still used today and have been further improved by modern technologies to increase image clarity and reduce radiation for patient safety.

To stay true to our commitment to patient care and imaging excellence, we elevated our services with two new top-of-the-line additions to our imaging equipment lineup in 2020. The Canon Aquilion Prime SP 80 detector row scanner, featured at our Palomino facility, enhanced patient safety while providing high-quality diagnostic imaging by using two types of radiation reducing software. The uMR 570 MRI, a powerful 1.5t scanner, was also added to the South Rainbow facility last year and allowed us to elevate patient care by providing more advanced and clearer imaging for our referring physicians to better diagnose and serve patient needs.

As the radiology industry continues to evolve with new technological advancements each year, we at Desert Radiology will continue our commitment to excellent patient care by staying current with industry breakthroughs and by using the highest quality imaging equipment available. It is our pleasure to serve the Southern Nevada community and to continue providing exceptional imaging services to all our patients.

 

 

 

 

What Our Patients Are Saying About Us

“I go to no other place since 2004 due to the fact that at Palomino Dessert Radiologist I get excellent care. Everyone and I mean everyone from the security officers in the front door, front desk clerks, to MRI technician Miss Jesenia and her assistant. They all give excellent service! All of the technicians practice/work with great care, compassion, and excellent work ethics. For this reason I honestly believe they deserve five and more stars.”


Vanessa Escobar