Carson Valley Medical Center invests in early stage illness detection

Carson Valley Medical Center joined with Philips Medical Systems last year to become the third site in the nation that has a BrightView gamma camera.

Unlike some imaging tests, nuclear imaging allows clinicians to see how a part of the body is functioning at the metabolic level, providing more definitive screening and treatment staging for diseases like cancer, hospital officials said.

It also can be used in cardiac, bone, pulmonary, brain, thyroid, and renal imaging. The BrightView system enables clinicians to perform a powerful Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. This allows visualization of activity within structures deep inside the body, particularly effective for cardiology, brain, and some orthopedic and oncology applications. It generates 3D images versus the 2D snapshots of planar imaging.

Carson Valley Medical Center also added a new computer tomography scanner and the Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva x-ray system.

"Our system offers an excellent combination of clinical excellence and patient safety," said Woodie Ross, Director of Outpatient Services at Carson Valley Medical Center. "With the biggest benefit being increased capabilities for early detection. We've always put a premium on giving local physicians the best diagnostic tools, and the real winners continue to be our patient community."

Carson Valley Medical Center is located at 1107 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. The hospital will host an open house 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 to introduce the new imaging equipment. The public is invited to attend and learn how this advanced imaging technology can help physicians detect and treat serious illnesses at an early stage. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 782-1512.