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C O M PA N Y P RO F I L EBellevue Zurich Diagnostic Centre“People working for people”Interview with Dr. med. Georg Kacl,Co-Director of the Bellevue Diagnostic CentreThe Bellevue Zurich Diagnostic Centre (Röntgeninstitut Bellevue Zürich) combines the latest radiological imaging technologywith a patient- and customer-friendly focus. The primary aim is to provide the best possible diagnostic service within a modernand pleasant environment. Important elements in this are the expertise of the radiologists (all FMH specialists in radiology),the very modern pool of equipment and, last but not least, a skilled, highly motivated and friendly team.66Dr. Kacl, what services does the centre for medical radiology providethrough the Zurich Bellevue Diagnostic Centre (RIB)?Our centre provides whole-body imaging services to outpatients. Thisis done using electromagnetic waves such as ultrasound and/orvascular Doppler (testing the circulation in the blood vessels). We alsooffer digitalised conventional radiology, which basically hasn'tchanged that much since it was discovered in 1895. We use it partlyfor mammograms, i.e. the examination of the mammary gland.In terms of large machines we work with a Multi-detector ComputedTomograph (MDCT) to create cross-section images using X-rays, anda Magnetic Resonance Tomograph (MRI scanner), which has amagnetic field with a strength of 1.5 tesla. Modern imaging uses a lotof electricity. For us it is therefore only natural that the centre’s energysupply should have green certification.We also carry out biopsies at the centre and send them on to tissuespecialists. We also have access to an A&E department at the hospitalswe are associated with.And who are your services provided for?Due to our central location in the centre of Zurich, patients arereferred to us from the surrounding practices, in other words generalpractitioners and specialists such as orthopaedic consultants. The way inwhich we cooperate with referrers is excellent and quite uncomplicated,which ensures that the patients can be back in the practice with theirimages and results within a very short time. That allows the referrer toget on with arranging the necessary treatment without delay.Naturally, our services are open to all health insurance patients.We also make our expertise available to hospitals, in particular withcertain tests that they don’t offer themselves, for example for thyroidcomplaints.The MRI scanner at your centre has a wide and short magnetic tube.What does this mean for your patients?The wide tube in our MRI scanner makes it easier to examine moregenerously proportioned patients. It means they can lie more comfortably.They are also less likely to suffer from claustrophobia. And the shortmagnet gives us easier access to the patient, for example if we need tomove them or inject them with a contrast medium.And what does a Multi-detector Computed Tomograph (MDCT) allowyou to do?This machine allows us for example to look for small blood clots in thelung circulation (pulmonary embolism). Our computed tomographuses 16 spirals or lines, which correspond to 16 interconnectedrotating X-ray tubes. This significantly improves the resolution andimage quality. An MDCT can display dimensions not only in 3D, butalso in 4D by rendering the time dimension in the form of movement.1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner1.5 Tesla Magnetresonanztomgraph© Röntgeninstitut Bellevue ZürichThe most common form of cancer in women is breast cancer. Whatfacilities for early detection exist at the Bellevue centre?In women over 40, mammography is the first imaging technique weuse, whereas in younger women we tend to do an ultrasound scanfirst. Both of these methods allow comprehensive early detection ofbreast cancer. If we still aren’t sure, we examine the mammary glandin the MRI scanner and take a tissue sample – after consulting thereferrer, of course.How important is the human aspect in your everyday work?The human aspect is of overriding importance. For us, teamwork is farfrom being a hollow word. The Bellevue Diagnostic Centre grew outof a predecessor centre and we are very proud of the fact that we wereSwiss Label CHUV 2010