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PET Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography or PET is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging
procedure that produces images based on the metabolic activity of cells.
In PET imaging, a radiopharmaceutical called Flourodeoxyglucose or FDG, is
administered intravenously. FDG is an analog of glucose. Most cancers
metabolize glucose at a higher rate than normal tissue and therefore FDG
becomes concentrated in malignant cells. Since cellular metabolic activity
is altered before gross structural changes occur, PET is able to detect
certain cancers before they are evident on CT or MRI. Currently, the most
common clinical use of PET Imaging is for the diagnosis, staging or
restaging of various cancers. Other indications include assessing
myocardial viability and evaluating refractory seizures and dementias.
A nurse will check your blood sugar and start an IV.
The IV is where the FDG will be injected. Following the injection, you
will be asked to sit quietly and relax for about 45 minutes to an hour
while the FDG distributes throughout your body. After the waiting period,
you will be positioned on the scanning table where you will lay still for
another 45 minutes to an hour. There are no side effects from the
injection that you are given and no sedation is used. The results of your
PET scan will be sent to your doctor's office within a few days. You may
contact your referring physician to review the results.
Patient Preparation
- No food for 4 to 6 hours prior to your
appointment
- Wear warm, comfortable clothes
- You may take your regularly scheduled medications
with water if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach
- You may bring pain medications to the center to
take if needed
- If you are insulin dependent, please let us know
before scheduling your appointment
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PET Imaging is available only at
Trident Medical Center
9330 Medical Plaza Dr
Charleston, SC, 29406-9104
(843) 797-7000 |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS |
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein. |
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