| Ultrasounds
are a big part of SMH
An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. An ultrasound allows your doctor to see problems with organs, vessels, and tissues—without needing to make an incision. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation, so it is the preferred method for viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy. Most people associate ultrasound scans with pregnancy. These scans can provide an expectant mother with the first view of her unborn child. However, the test has many other uses. Your doctor may order an ultrasound if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms that require an internal view of your organs. An ultrasound can provide a view of the bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, spleen, thyroid, uterus, blood vessels and various other organs. “St. Mary’s Hospital as a new Ultrasound machine; a Toshiba Xario, 200; this new system produces superb image quality and delivers outstanding clinical performance,” commented Steve Wilson, the director of the SMH radiology department. “We are excited to have the latest imaging technology, just a few of the benefits of this top technology is; the speed of service and the quality of images, also accurate diagnosis and one of the top benefits is the convenience for our patients, they are able to have this procedure done right here in Cottonwood so they don’t have to travel out of town.” SMH also has an Echocardiogram machine which takes ultrasound pictures of the heart. It looks at the wall, chambers and valves in the heart as well as the blood vessels that are attached to the heart. The procedure is done here at SMH by Dione Severns, who is certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in adult and pediatric echocardiogram and she can also perform stress echocardiograms. The echocardiograms are read by a cardiologist in Spokane. Dione grew up in Nezperce, graduated from Spokane Community College and currently lives in Nezperce with her husband Ashley and their two children, Elizabeth and Gabriel. Cody Wilkinson is the ultrasound tech for SMH, is he also registered by the ARDMS in OB/GYN and vascular. He grew up in Kamiah, graduated from Boise State University and currently lives in Grangeville with his wife Sara and their two children, Abe and Ila. “The ultrasound room has recently been remodeled,” said Wilkinson. “There is a new 60 inch TV that displays the ultrasound, this is especially nice for our obstetric patients and their families. There is plenty of room for the whole family to watch the ultrasound and see the new addition to the family. We would like to thank the SMH Foundation for funding this TV.” SMH does approximately 1400 ultrasounds and echocardiograms a year. 
Dione Severns and Cody Wilkinson showing off the echocardiogram and ultrasound machines; in the background is the new TV. |
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