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A Year in Review 2012 – 2013:
Programs
Courage Lives Here
39
Joint Department of Medical Imaging
JDMI
The Joint Department of Medical Imaging
(JDMI) is the first medical imaging department in North
America and the fifth worldwide to use the procedure MR-Guided HIFU.
Performed by radiologist Dr. Sangeet Ghai, with co-clinical research lead Dr. Walter Kucharczyk,
this non-invasive procedure uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high-intensity focused
ultrasound (HIFU) to target and destroy tumours confined to an area of the prostate gland. While
focused ultrasound is not new, pairing it with MR guidance provides real-time feedback that
ensures precision.
Carestream DR X-ray unit and upguarded Toshiba 320 CT
The installation of the new Carestream DR X-ray unit and upgraded Toshiba 320 CT unit in
Toronto General Hospital’s Emergency Department offers emergency staff access to advanced
diagnostic equipment without having to move patients to other areas of the hospital.
Medal of Bravery
Dr. Kenneth Sniderman, Interventional Radiologist, JDMI, has been awarded the Medal of Bravery
by His Excellency, The Governor General of Canada. Dr. Sniderman received this award for his
heroic actions while on vacation. When a speedboat crashed and left a man trapped inside it,
Dr. Sniderman helped rescue the man and revive him.
Cardio-Thoracic Imaging
Dr. Narinder Paul, Head of Cardio-Thoracic Imaging, JDMI, is leading an effort to modify X-ray
systems and provide more accessible and effective technology for diagnosing thoracic disease in
the developing world, with much lower costs. This has the potential to diminish the need for the
more expensive and less available computed tomography (CT)
technology.
Highlights
“I realize that my efforts were just
a small drop in the bucket, but I truly believe
that every drop makes a difference.”
–Carole Leduc-Atri
VIDEO:
X-ray technology and lung disease detection
Hear Dr. Narinder Paul discuss the impact of improved X-ray technology in developing countries.
(Video: UHN)
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