SOUTH BEND, IN (WSBT) — Memorial Hospital is using new advanced technology when it comes to X-rays. It is the first hospital in northern Indiana to offer the EOS Imaging System. In this “Eye on Health” report, WSBT 22’s Leanne Tokars explains how it can impact your level of care.
With a career spent designing gardens, Tina Caparo suffered severe back pain. “It was constant pain, and I think when you feel that way, you get depressed. Your world gets smaller and smaller,” explained Tina.
That constant pain led her to Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Smith.
Tina says, “My discs started collapsing and Dr. Smith was able to give me surgery that allowed me to stand straight – not to have to hop because I couldn’t put weight on my right leg – just in constant pain.”
Part of Tina’s treatment involves the EOS Imaging System. It’s state-of-the-art technology that provides highly accurate X-ray images.
Dr. Smith says, “Beacon purchased the EOS equipment in order to help our patients get access to care much closer here at home. Prior to this, I frequently would have to send my patients to Chicago would be the closest center where someone might be able to obtain imaging of this sort.”
Unlike traditional X-rays, the EOS technology uses low-dose radiation and advanced AI software. It can reduce radiation exposure by up to 85%, according to Beacon Health, and provide high resolution 2D and 3D images. This allows doctors to see what’s happening with unprecedented precision.
Dr. Smith says, “The software behind it is amazing. It uses Artificial Intelligence to instantly start measuring all kinds of different angles to the spine – what we might refer to as parameters for the spine – and we use those numbers to make smarter decisions as to what to do next.”
X-ray technologist Erica LeFever showed us how the machine works. The technology captures full length images in an open environment with the patient standing.
LeFever says, “Then I’ll just press and hold the button back there, and it’ll take both a front view and the side view picture at the same time.”
That limits the number of X-rays needed, and Dr. Smith says that can have long term benefits.
“Very often we’re not talking about one image and never needing X-rays again for the rest of their life,” explains Dr. Smith. “So, this allows us a quick, easier, less radiation way to take a look and know what’s going on.”
Ultimately leading to a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, treatment that’s changed Tina’s life.
She says, “You can see me now – I’m happy. I can walk down the hallway with you.” She goes on, “He’s given me my life back basically, and this machine was wonderful because he got to see more intricate parts of what was happening to me.”
The EOS machine is also used in post-operative treatment. Tina will have another scan this week, so the doctor can see exactly how her spine is doing following her surgery.
You can find more information on the EOS Imaging System here.
