CAY HILL--St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) made a major stride forward when it installed three new 3D-ultrasound machines for its Radiology, Gynaecology and Cardiology departments in March.
The innovative ultrasound machines are expected to better assist specialists with diagnosis and treatment, SMMC said in a press release over the weekend. The 3D-ultrasound machines were delivered and installed by MED-X International, whose sales specialist Richard Soutar and an accompanying registered nurse trained SMMC specialists on the most optimal use of the machines.
Ultrasound is a safe and effective, non-invasive, non-radioactive imaging method. 3D-ultrasound machines enable specialists to move beyond the point of just taking one slice of an image. The enhanced capacities of the machines enable visualization of the anatomy in a manner similar to the actual views encountered during surgery. These ultrasound machines enable specialists to detect abnormalities, provide improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis and give an enhanced view of the human body. The most important benefit is the opportunity for better patient management by way of faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
For SMMC’s cardiology specialists, this means that the heart can now be viewed digitally just as it would be seen during an open-heart surgery, SMMC said in its release. An added feature is the placement of the monitor in the room where patient diagnosis occurs. The cardiology ultrasound machine provides a more in-depth visual of a patient’s heart, such as the realistic and unique views of cardiac valves and congenital abnormalities.
This gives ample opportunity for accurately pinpointing areas within the heart/wall where there might be an issue, the release said. “We are excited about the possibilities of being able to provide quicker diagnosis for our patients. This will give us the opportunity to quicker implement treatment with the focus on getting patients better faster” Cardiologist Dr. Emiko Bird said during the ultrasound software training.
SMMC said Radiologist Dr. Brice sees the new ultrasound equipment as a great improvement for SMMC’s Radiology department. Traditional ultrasound machines were slow and labour-intensive, which meant longer waiting time for results and treatment options. Comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound of the body, abdomen, breast and upper and lower extremities is also useful during and after operations for immediate feedback on the effectiveness of surgical interventions.
“This machine has many more features than its predecessor. It has made a difference in the speed and the accuracy of providing diagnosis for our patients,” Dr. Brice said.
The improved features are enabling SMMC gynaecologists to see clearer into the womb and reproductive organs. This improves the ability to accurately diagnose certain gynaecological concerns, such as locating fibroids and polyps, concerns of tumours in the ovaries, etc. The 3D ultra sound creates a unique experience for new/expecting parents. With the onset of 3D technology, parents now have an additional way to get a clearer picture of their baby.
After assessing the first week of the new ultrasound operation, Gynaecologist Dr. Patricia Roumans said: “We are very happy with the innovative ultrasound. The feedback within the first week of its use has been very positive. It has enabled us to provide improved services to our patients.”
