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Diagnostic Achievements
2021Alaska Radiology Associates Interventional Radiologists have been the first in Alaska to offer virtually every interventional procedure back to the days when percutaneous drainage, diagnostic angiography, and arthrography were novel techniques. The following is a compilation of some of the highlights we introduced to the state (with many categories encompassing a variety of technical Firsts – such as limb salvage using various novel balloon, stent, cutting device and laser approaches). It should also be noted that ARA introduced 24-7 dedicated Interventional Radiology Call to the state in back in 2000.
2019Neuro-expertise expanded with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to guide surgical planning and radiation therapy, assess effects of stroke, trauma, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s and to better diagnose behavioral issues like depression, addiction, and schizophrenia.
Alaska Radiology Associates, through Imaging Associates, proudly becomes the first diagnostic imaging center to offer 3D printing, visual models of a patient’s heart, brain, and other vital organs that can be used for patient education and to aid surgeons in planning complex surgical operations.
2018The first and only in Alaska to offer MR Elastography (MRE), giving AK physicians a powerful new comprehensive tool for liver assessment, lessening the need for invasive liver biopsy and concern of sampling variability.
2017Magnetic Resonance Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that measures the stiffness of soft tissues by generating shear waves in tissue, imaging their propagation using MRI, and processing the images to generate a stiffness map.
2016ARA collaborated with local Urologists to provide the detailed digital tools they need to provide state of the art MRI / Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsies.
2015ARA Implemented a new scanning protocol using diffusion tensor imaging to allow better depiction of white matter changes in demyelinating diseases and central neurological injury.
ARA Introduced quantitative volumetric neuroimaging to assess patients with history of concussion/traumatic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological diseases.
In partnership with Imaging Associates and Providence Imaging Center, ARA introduced high resolution rectal MRI for rectal cancer staging in Alaska.
ARA became the first and only modern radiology practice in Alaska to provide 24/7 in-hospital Radiologist coverage, at its primary inpatient hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center.
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA introduced the first high-field Open MRI to Alaska through its Providence partnership with Imaging Associates at its new flagship facility at the corner of Providence Dr and Piper St.
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA introduced the first 3T MRI to the MatSu Valley.
2014ARA’s skilled women’s imagers were the first radiologists in Alaska performing Breast Tomosynthesis guided biopsies (at PIC).
ARA’s skilled women’s imagers were the first in the state to support Breast Tomosynthesis. ARA provides interpretations for these state of the art 3D mammograms at Alaska Neighborhood Health, Providence Imaging Center and Imaging Associates.
2013ARA recruited Dr. Allen Rubin, a double-boarded Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon. Dr. Rubin provides high level vascular surgical care to SouthCentral Alaskans and regularly staffs the Providence Alaska Medical Center sponsored wound clinic.
Introduced Alaska’s first dedicated Metal Suppression MRI service for imaging orthopedic implants.
Introduced Alaska’s first non-invasive multi-parametric Prostate MRI program.
2012Introduced 100% sub-specialty interpretations of Musculoskeletal CT and MRI.
2010In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA established the only Breast Center of Excellence in the Matsu-Valley. Together the Providence Imaging Center and Imaging Associates maintain two of only three Breast Centers of Excellence in Alaska.
Introduced Breast MRI to the Matsu-Valley. ARA was the first to offer, and is today, the only source of Breast MRI in Anchorage and the MatSu valley.
Introduced Alaska’s first Dynamic Pelvic MRI program.
Introduced and maintain Alaska’s ONLY Fetal MRI program. Previously pregnant mothers had to travel to Seattle or Cincinnati for these examinations.
2006In partnership with Imaging Associates, introduced the first 3T MRI and MR Spectroscopy in Alaska.
2005Introduced Alaska’s first Digital Mammography service in 2005.
2004In partnership with ARA, Providence Imaging Center received the ACR’s FIRST Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation Certificate.
In partnership with Providence Imaging Center, provided the first ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in Alaska.
2003In partnership with Providence Imaging Center, launched the Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference.
1999Launched the first Percutaneous Breast Biopsy program in the region.
- The first and only modern radiology practice in Alaska For more than 15 years, ARA has maintained the ONLY 24/7 Interventional Radiology service in Alaska We offer Alaska’s only 24/7 teleradiology support! A teleradiology platform recognized for its innovative approach.