Remember when television migrated from analog to digital in 2009 and a few years later made the leap to high-definition television? With each generation, the images were crisper, the colors more vibrant, the monitors sleeker.

The world of diagnostic ultrasound is having a similar moment, thanks to high-definition imaging technology like the Hologic SuperSonic™ MACH 30 Breast Ultrasound. This is good news for patients of the Breast Care Center at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI), where the technology was recently introduced.

“It’s very stressful to be called back for additional testing after a screening mammography,” says Kathi Hoffer, Imaging Operations Manager at the Breast Care Center. “But the availability of this state-of-the-art diagnostic technology – and our excellent imaging team –  reassures our patients that we will get the most accurate results.”

Some physicians are also recommending the Hologic breast ultrasound to screen patients who are at high risk for breast cancer.

More Details, Less Time

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body. How is the Hologic breast ultrasound different? First, it was designed specifically for breast tissue. It takes this a step further with an option to “customize” the exam according to the patient’s breast tissue.

“If the woman has fatty breast tissue, dense breast tissue or cysts, for example, the Hologic breast ultrasound has specific modes for each of those,” explains Hoffer. “This allows the ultrasound technologist to gather images with exceptional clarity and detail for the radiologist to interpret.”

The Hologic breast ultrasound images are also enhanced by a specially designed transducer, the handheld device used by the ultrasound technologist. Traditional ultrasound transducers pick up soundwaves from a single direction. The Hologic transducer records soundwaves from multiple angles.

Ultrasound technologists and patients both benefit from Hologic’s new touchpad. The device is user friendly and reduces the amount of time the exam takes.

A Consistent Image

Ensuring the availability of the Hologic breast ultrasound at both the Breast Care Center and PMI is part of YRMC’s commitment to imaging continuity.

“It’s important that women undergo their annual breast screenings and any related breast studies at the same center,” Hoffer says. “If you’re using different equipment, it’s difficult to tell if changes in the breast tissue are related to the machine or the mass that’s being studied.”

Brought to You by the YRMC Foundation

The Hologic breast ultrasound technology is possible thanks to a generous donation from the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation.

“The YRMC Foundation is honored to make this state-of-the-art diagnostic tool available to patients of the Breast Care Center and Prescott Medical Imaging,” says Dave Barrett, Chairman, YRMC Foundation Board of Trustees. “This gift demonstrates how important YRMC Foundation donors are to expanding and improving healthcare throughout our community.”

For more information about Hologic breast ultrasound and other breast imaging services, speak to your physician. You may also contact the Breast Care Center or Prescott Medical Imaging at (928) 771-7577.