Search TBH (Click here to search our web site)

               DIRECTORY (Click here to see a directory of our web site)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL INSTALLS NEW IMAGECHECKER®
COMPUTER AIDED DETECTION (CAD) SYSTEM

FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING - R2 Checker

March 28, 2003 --

(For Additional Information you may click on the R2Checker link)

Janie Latham, RT (R)(M),

a registered mammography technologist

with The Bellevue Hospital’s

Radiology Department,

enters information into the

R2 ImageChecker computer.

BELLEVUE, OHIO – MARCH 28, 2003 – The Bellevue Hospital has recently acquired and started to use a new piece of equipment that will enhance screening mammography examinations.

The new R2 ImageChecker^® Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system will be used to assist radiologists “double – read” or receive a second opinion on a mammogram by adding computer assisted technology that digitizes and analyzes mammograms for suspicious regions that may be indicative of cancer. 

The ImageChecker from R2 Technology is the first U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Computer Aided Detection system for use in breast cancer screening

“We are very pleased to bring this potentially life-saving technology to The Bellevue Hospital,” said Michael K. Winthrop, president and CEO.  Although the cost of the CAD unit was a significant investment and one that might not have been financially feasible for another hospital of The Bellevue Hospital’s size, “We knew it was the right choice for our patients and the communities we serve and began to work toward that goal.

“By working cooperatively with Fisher-Titus Medical Center and purchasing two units together, we were both able to bring the latest medical advances into our hospitals in a cost-effective method,” he added.  “It has worked out well for everyone, but it will be our patients and their loved-ones who will receive the ultimate benefit.”

            “Early diagnosis is the key to surviving breast cancer and mammography screenings combined with the use of the R2 ImageChecker CAD system will be of great benefit for our patients,” said Mary Wall, MD, radiologist at The Bellevue Hospital.

            The R2 ImageChecker CAD system is currently used together with film based mammography. After digitizing a film mammogram, the system’s specialized processing software analyzes the image and draws the radiologist’s attention to suspicious features that may be representative of cancer. The radiologist typically reviews the entire mammogram first and then activates the ImageChecker monitor to see if any areas have been highlighted for additional review. If an image is marked, the radiologist goes back to the original mammogram to review this area of the image in more detail.

The R2 ImageChecker is not meant to replace the eyes and experience of the radiologist, but can improve the accuracy of finding breast irregularities or potential breast cancers the size of a pinhead and is especially beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue.  

“The R2 ImageChecker provides a critical backup for the very complicated process of reading mammograms,” said Dr. Wall.  Normal breast tissue varies widely among patients and even for the same patient over time at different times of the month.

“Until there is a cure for breast cancer, regular screening mammograms are one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early, which is also when it is easiest to treat. Now that we have the new R2 ImageChecker System here at The Bellevue Hospital, it allows a second method to verify abnormalities or signs of disease during our mammogram screening analyses,” added Dr. Wall

                For additional information about the R2 ImageChecker System, contact the Radiology Department of The Bellevue Hospital at 419-483-4040, Bellevue; 419-639-2065, Fremont and Green Springs; 419-547-0074, Clyde – Extension 4234

ImageChecker is a registered trademark of R2 Technology, Inc.

 Send e-mail to webmaster@bellevuehospital.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003-2004-2005-2006-2007

The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main Street - P O Box 8004, Bellevue, Ohio  44811-8004    419-483-4040
Last modified: 11/11/04