Imaging/Radiology

Kymera uses cutting edge imaging/radiology equipment to detect various conditions that range from cardiac disease to cancer.  This allows us to pinpoint the source of a condition and diagnose the severity and progression of a disease with greater accuracy.

Best of all, there is no need for our patients to travel elsewhere for imaging and radiology services. More importantly, this saves time and reduces the stress associated with waiting. It also better promotes healing, which is what we are all about.

Some of the Imaging equipment currently in use at Kymera Imaging includes:

• • • • Nuclear Medicine
      • PET/CT Scan
      • X-Ray Imaging
      • Bone Density Scan
      • Echocardiogram/Ultrasound

Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Nuclear medicine involves the use of small amounts of radioactive medications which are introduced into the body so that technologists can gather images from within.  Such images are impossible using any other methods.

The procedure involves having the patient receive the medication in advance.  The medication, known as a radiopharmaceutical, may be swallowed, injected, or inhaled.  Once in place, it emits low levels of radiation into nearby tissues.  A gamma camera can then capture the images produced from the radioactive tissue and return important data to the treating physician.

Our Nuclear Medicine machine is American College of Radiology (ACR) certified.  ACR is at the forefront of radiology evolution, representing more than 38,000 diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists.

PET/CT Scan

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is an imaging device that allows physicians to locate and determine the magnitude of cancer and other diseases residing in a patient’s body. Like X-Rays and Nuclear Medicine, the device relies on radiation to deliver images. Still, unlike the other systems, PET/CT can provide three-dimensional views of organs or other internal tissues.

The PET/CT is a two-part device: The scanner and the computer. The two systems work together to deliver images. The computed tomography (CT) scanner plays a crucial role in compiling the final imagery.  The first PET/CT went operational in 1998 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  Within a few years, hundreds were in use worldwide. Since then, the device has become an essential part of understanding the size and scope of cancerous growth in patients.

The Kymera PET/CT machine is the only stationary American College of Radiology (ACR) certified unit in Southeast New Mexico. Our facility and industry-leading physicians and technicians are highly qualified and supportive. They will make the testing process as comfortable as possible.

X-Ray/Bone Density Scan

Our radiology equipment provides high-definition images. These images allow us to make accurate treatments for our patients while still in our care rather than sending them elsewhere for the x-ray and then back for treatment. Naturally, our patients love this, for it saves considerable time and effort at a time when any action is challenging.

Our Radiologists can also determine an individual’s body composition with a DEXA (DXA) bone density scan. Also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone densitometry involves using small amounts of ionized radiation to measure the density of bones.

The most common use of the Bone Density Scan is to diagnose osteoporosis.  Still, it may also be used to assess a patient with other conditions which may cause bone loss. This radiology test can also check one’s susceptibility to fractures.

Some of the reasons to have a bone density scan performed by Kymera Radiology include:

• Post-menopausal women not on estrogen
• Post-menopausal women who are taller than 5’7” or weigh less than 125#
• Smokers with a personal or maternal history of a broken hip
• Men with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease
• Patients with Type I Diabetes
• Patients with a thyroid condition like hyperthyroidism
• Patients with a parathyroid disorder like hyperparathyroidism
• Take medications known to result in bone loss such as corticosteroids, certain anti-seizure medications, high-dose thyroid replacement drugs, and some barbiturates.

Our highly qualified radiology staff and state of the art imaging equipment makes for an easy procedure.

Echocardiogram / Ultrasound

An echocardiogram (Echo) is a non-invasive way to look into the body using sound waves. Most today are familiar with the the Ultrasound device. It is one of the most common imaging tools seen by expecting parents, allowing them to observe their baby’s growth without causing any harm to the developing infant.

In the same way an Ultrasound can show the baby’s heartbeat or allow the physician to measure and age the infant, a similar imaging device can permit a technician to gauge how well the heart or other organs are functioning. The Echo test will allow Kymera Radiologists to:

• Determine whether heart valves are correctly functioning
• Understand the pumping strength of the heart
• Know if blood is leaking backwards through heart valves
• Determine if the heart valves have grown narrow
• Tell if a tumor or other growth has appeared around valves
• Know the shape and size of a patient’s heart as well as measure the size and thickness of heart walls.
• Determine if there are problems with the pericardium (outer lining of the heart)
• Determine if there are problems with the large vessels which allow blood to enter and exit the heart
• Identify blood clots in heart chambers
• Identify other abnormalities such as holes between heart chambers.

Our skilled radiologic technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to help diagnose heart conditions, view internal swelling, and assess damage after a heart attack. Each will take care to help you be as comfortable as possible during all imaging procedures and will gladly answer any questions you have.