ADVANCED IMAGING CENTER PHYSICIAN NEWS

September 1999

---

WHY IS AIC A PIONEER IN ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT IN THE ANTELOPE VALLEY?

AIC was the first to introduce an OPEN MRI to the valley

Our Hitachi AIRIS OPEN MRI is still the only one that is open on all 4 sides (a truly OPEN MRI) and the only one with the highest field of its kind at 0.3 Tesla. All other manufactured open MRI's are at or below 0.2 Tesla, thus providing less signal and resolution.

AIC was the first to introduce an ultrafast high-field (1.5 Tesla) short-bore flared MRI to the valley

Our Siemens 1.5 Tesla Magnetom Symphony with ultra gradients is the only one in AV and the first one installed in Southern California. In this area, it is: the only high-performance gradient MRI; the only high-field short-bore MRI; the only one capable of ultrafast contrast-enhanced MRA, MRCP (MR cholangio-pancreatography), MR myelography, single breathhold abdominal imaging, CSF flow study, shunt study, Diffusion study for acute stroke, ultra high-resolution imaging of the small joints (toes, fingers), IAC's; MR arthrography, etc.

AIC was the first to introduce an ultrafast multidetector helical CT to the valley

Our Picker Twin is the only multislice CT in the AV. Capabilities: ultrafast head/neck and body imaging, coronary calcification scoring, virtual endoscopy, dental scan, 3D/4D CT Angio (CTA), 0.5 mm resolution, ultrafast, all AIC exclusive.

AIC was the first to introduce a revolutionary 4D Ultrasound to the valley

Our 4D Voluson ultrasound scanner is the only one in the AV, capable of state-of-the-art real-time 4D rendering and multiplanar imaging. Applications: OB, carotids, pelvic, etc.

AIC was the first to introduce PET (Positron Emission Tomography) to the valley

Our Siemens E-CAM plus gamma camera is not only capable of full nuclear medicine scanning, but is also capable of FDG PET scanning based on the revolutionary coincidence technology. Applications: tumor detection, tumor versus scar tissue and radiation changes, brain metabolism and perfusion, recurrent tumor vs. radiation necrosis.

AIC is the only freestanding full imaging facility in the valley the is physician owned and operated with full-time staff radiologists on board at all times

In my opinion, this is probably the single most important point about AIC, far more crucial than the equipment. Experienced and dedicated independent radiologists provide accurate reports and a personal service to the referring physicians and their patients. They are available on the premises at all times for consultation. Films are not carried out of the area for interpretation.

Ray Hashemi, MD, PhD
Director