Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Research Medical Center Earns ACR Accreditation

Research Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in stereotactic breast biopsy as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

A breast biopsy is performed to remove cells — either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle — from an area in the breast suspected to be cancerous. These cells are examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. In stereotactic breast biopsy, a special mammography machine helps guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of an abnormal growth.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

Midwest Hand Center Performs Intricate Surgeries to Treat Traumatic Injuries

Vik Zadoo, MD, FACS
Medical Director
Midwest Hand Center
Like many of us, Glen Moore took his hands for granted. They were there when he needed them—whether it was operating a large drill press at his manufacturing job, working on cars, creating one of his wooden wishing wells for family and friends, or playing video games on his PlayStation. The 56-year-old Grandview resident didn’t think much about his hands until one February morning when he was injured on the job.

Something went wrong with the drill press Moore has operated for decades. His left gloved hand was caught by the machine, which swung him around so that his right hand dragged across the press, cutting into tendons, tissue, and bone.  Moore’s supervisor called 9-1-1, and Moore was quickly transported to Research Medical Center’s Emergency Department.

From the minute he was rolled into the ER, Moore knew he was in good hands.

“I sat in the examining room, trying not to think about my hand,” says Moore, who knew he had been severely injured. “The nurses and physicians kept me calm until Dr. Zadoo walked in and introduced himself.”

Vic P. Zadoo, MD, FACS, is medical director of the Midwest Hand Center at Research Medical Center and is only one of a few doctors in the Kansas City area who specializes in microvascular hand surgery. This premier hand center treats traumatic hand injuries—such as Moore’s—in addition to offering elective procedures and treating upper extremity injuries.

That day in the ER at Research Medical Center, Dr. Zadoo quickly determined that Moore’s injury had not only damaged some of his vital wrist bones, but also the link between his hand and wrist had been broken, destroying the tendons that raise fingers.

“Like many hand injuries, Glen required a series of surgeries to repair, restore and reconnect bones, tissue and tendons,” says Dr. Zadoo, who trained at the prestigious Christine Kleinart Institute in Louisville, Ky.

The first surgery Moore underwent took four hours, and Dr. Zadoo was confident that his patient—whom he describes as tough and determined—would eventually return to the job and activities he loves.

“Glen has a motivation and drive that really helped him in the recovery process from his four hand surgeries,” says Dr. Zadoo. “He was willing to work hard in the rehabilitation phase, collaborating with his physical therapist to transition back into everyday life.”

The Hand Center uses advanced technology including the LEICA OH4, a sophisticated microscope that combines Swiss optics and Japanese robotics. This device, among others, was used in Moore’s series of operations to restore the use of his hand and fingers.

“It’s similar to a big video game, and helps us reattach the complicated and microscopic network of blood vessels,” says Dr. Zadoo. 

Moore, who went through a six-month program of intensive physical therapy at the Research Medical Center Brookside Campus, appreciates the relationship he developed with the straight-shooting surgeon who brought life back to his damaged hand. “I told Dr. Zadoo it was important how honest he was with me every step of the way,” he says. 

Dr. Zadoo says the success of Glenn’s outcome is a two-way relationship.

“With Glen, it’s about the physician-patient relationship and his remarkable attitude that contributed to a successful outcome,” says Dr. Zadoo.

Moore, who has returned to his job doing light-duty work and also can now play video games—has a few wishing wells on his drawing board. These days, he doesn’t take his hands for granted anymore.

“They’re precious to me,” says Moore.  “I’m glad Dr. Zadoo thought so, too.”

For more information about the Midwest Hand Center at Research Medical Center, visit www.midwesthandcenter.com.