The seven radiologists in charge of the institute specialise in the most highly developed areas of radiology which are mastology and the imaging of blood vessels, the central nervous system and the digestive, urinary and osteoarticular systems.
In mastology, apart from the standard techniques of echography and mammography, MRI of the breast, limited excision biopsies, fine needle aspirates or simple mapping of a location under stereotactic radiological control are also performed.
With the 3-tesla MRI at its disposal, the Institute of Radiology can choose to perform either very high-resolution imaging or to carry out more rapid imaging for children for example or persons who find it difficult to maintain a reclining position.
One of the most recent innovations available for clinical application is Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI or spectro-MRI), which enables a metabolic analysis to be obtained (analysis of the chemical components which play a role in metabolic processes). The applications of spectro-MRI help to establish or confirm early diagnosis of malignant tumours (prostate cancer, breast cancer and brain tumours in particular).
At the leading edge of progress
Still on the subject of cerebral MRI, the Institute of Radiology of the Clinique Générale-Beaulieu is able to image the nerve fibres or axons of the neurons more precisely and to map the nerve networks in the brain. This technique known as FiberTracking is particularly valuable in pre-operative planning: it supplies the neurosurgeon with an indication of the involvement of certain nerve fibres in or adjacent to a tumour for example.
Echography (or ultrasound) is a field of major development because it is completely safe. Astonishing resolutions are obtained with its probes in a complete frequency range enabling the most superficial to the deepest tissues to be imaged.
At the leading edge of progress
- a digital mammography unit
- a breast biopsy table
- three ultrasonographs
- a conventional automated radiology room
- a remote controlled radiology room with fluoroscopy
- two interventional radiology rooms with flat-detector technology
- 3-tesla MRI
- an 1T open MRI system
- a multidetector scanner
