Picture of new equipment (Ashe Memorial Hospital unveils new 3D mammography equipment)

Ashe Memorial Hospital unveils new 3D mammography equipment

JEFFERSON, N.C. — In keeping with its mission to provide patient-centered, high-quality care, Ashe Memorial Hospital has further enhanced the scope of its imaging department with the installation of the Hologic Selenia Dimension 3D Performance System and the addition of breast MRI.

Earlier this month, Ashe Memorial Hospital unveiled its new state-of-the-art 3D mammography equipment, which is designed to provide high-quality 3D images while creating a more comfortable mammography experience for the patient. Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, 3D mammography is the most advanced mammographic technology and is particularly advantageous at breast cancer screening in women with increased breast tissue density. Breast MRI is a powerful imaging tool used for supplemental screening in high-risk patients, further characterization of known breast cancers, and as an adjunct to conventional mammography and breast ultrasound for problem solving cases. Abbreviated breast MRI will also be offered for women with dense breast tissue as a supplemental screening tool.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have just installed the most advanced 3D mammography technology available today, bringing a new level of accuracy and precision to breast cancer screening,” said Brian Yates, chief executive officer for Ashe Memorial Hospital. “This technology can detect even the smallest abnormalities in breast tissue, giving our patients the best possible chance for early detection and successful treatment.”

With the addition of the new technology, patients will now be able to receive 3D mammograms, stereotactic breast biopsies and breast MRIs close to home.

“We are excited to be able to bring this advanced breast imaging capability to our community,” said Patty Mininni, imaging director for Ashe Memorial Hospital. “Our staff, physicians and patients have been anxiously awaiting its delivery.”

Through the generosity of its donors and Blue Ridge Energy, along with its community foundation, The Blue Ridge Energy Members Foundation, Ashe Memorial Hospital was able to purchase this life-saving technology.

“This upgraded equipment would not have been possible to acquire without our friends and neighbors coming together to support the effort,” Ashe Memorial Hospital Foundation director Becky Pearson said. “Every single donation made a difference.  Thank you to each and every one of you who contributed to the campaign to bring 3D mammography to Ashe County.”  

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and one in eight women in the United States are at risk for developing breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Mammograms are among the most powerful breast cancer detection tools available and proven to save lives. Over the past five years, Ashe Memorial Hospital has performed more than 12,000 mammograms for local residents.
 
Led by a team of highly-trained technologists and experienced subspecialized radiologists, Ashe Memorial Hospital is an American College of Radiology accredited facility for mammography and MRI and offers a wide variety of imaging services, including CT, MRI, general radiology, mammography, ultrasound, bone density (DEXA), nuclear medicine and echocardiography. Board certified, subspecialized radiology physicians provide our radiology interpretations and interventions through our partnership with Triad Radiology Associates (TRA) based in Winston-Salem. TRA radiologists provide imaging services across the state, including Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and the Breast Center in Winston-Salem. For more information on Ashe Memorial Hospital’s imaging services, please call 336-846-0820 or visit ashememorial.org.

About Ashe Memorial Hospital
For more than 80 years, Ashe Memorial Hospital’s dedicated team of board certified physicians, nurses and staff members have provided the highest quality medical care available to the people of Ashe County and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Ashe Memorial Hospital offers a wide variety of emergency, elective, rehabilitation and preventative health services.

Founded in 1941, Ashe Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited 25 bed critical hospital located in Jefferson, N.C. For more information, please visit ashememorial.org or call 336-846-7101.