advanced imaging & diagnostic services
world-class imaging technology. local comfort. earlier answers.
Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, MN, offers some of the most advanced imaging capabilities in rural Minnesota. From digital PET‑CT and PSMA imaging to fast, comfortable MRI scans and precision‑guided breast surgery, our technology helps patients receive accurate answers earlier—without having to travel far from home.
We offer a full range of the most current and comprehensive radiologic services available for inpatients and outpatients – all housed within the hospital and clinic – including: Bone Density Measurement, CT Scanning, Fluoroscopy, General Digital Radiography, MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, PET-CT Scanning, Tomography, and Ultrasound.
riverwood radiology services
A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is a painless, quick and non-invasive imaging test that measures bone density and strength. It uses low-dose X-rays to produce an image of your bones, usually of the spine and hips.
CT scans take multiple pictures or very thin “slices” of the body rapidly, allowing the radiologist to see bones, tissue or organs in great detail.
Mammograms are used to screen women for breast cancer and the best ways to detect cancer early. A digital mammography machine uses X-rays and solid-state detectors to create images of the breast. These images can be viewed on a computer screen or printed on film.
Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technique that is a study of moving body structures, like x-rays in motion. A continuous X-ray beam is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be viewed in detail. This technique is commonly used to evaluate upper or lower gastrointestinal trace issues or to guide joint injections.
An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field to generate images. MRI exams are used for imaging the brain, the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular systems and sometimes cancer areas.
During a nuclear medicine exam, small amounts of radioactive material are injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas. These materials work with a camera to produce detailed pictures of both the structure and function of organs and tissues. Doctors use the images to assess organ function and look for abnormalities.
During a PET scan, a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein to create detailed images of organs and tissues of the body. A PET scan shows how organs and tissues are working and the blood flow to and from organs. It is often used to detect cancer, evaluate brain diseases and to assess cardiovascular health.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds are used in pregnancy monitoring, diagnosing diseases and treatment procedures such as biopsies.
Medical X-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. They are used to diagnose injuries such as bone fractures, arthritis and some types of cancer.
Technological Advancements
Riverwood uses the Siemens Sola MRI, designed to make your scan faster and more comfortable.
Benefits for Patients:
- Shorter scan times — shoulder MRI takes about 6 minutes
- Wider, more open design that reduces claustrophobia
- Quieter operation for a calmer experience
- Soothing lighting and nature imagery to promote relaxation
This MRI system produces high‑resolution images that help your provider diagnose joint, spine, soft‑tissue, and cancer‑related concerns with accuracy and confidence.
Breast MRI for Women
Breast MRI provides an added layer of detail beyond mammograms, especially for:
- Women with dense breast tissue
- Those at higher risk of breast cancer
- Patients needing clearer answers after an inconclusive mammogram
Prostate MRI for Men
Prostate MRI helps detect and pinpoint areas of concern more accurately. When combined with fusion biopsy technology, it allows providers to target abnormal tissue precisely—leading to:
- Fewer unnecessary biopsies
- Earlier detection of prostate cancer
- More confident treatment planning
“These tools help us deliver accurate, timely diagnoses while keeping patients close to home,” said Katie Pudas, Radiology Manager.
Riverwood offers the Elucent EnVisio® Surgical Navigation System with SmartClip® technology—an innovative approach to breast‑conserving surgery.
How It Works
Tiny SmartClip® markers (about the size of a grain of rice) are placed before surgery to help the surgeon locate the exact area to remove. During the procedure, the system provides real‑time 3D guidance to ensure accuracy.
Benefits for Patients
- Smaller incisions
- Better cosmetic outcome
- Less discomfort and reduced stress
- More precise removal of cancerous tissue
“This technology enables a more precise and patient-centered surgical experience,” said Tim LeMieur, General Surgeon.
For prostate cancer, Riverwood offers PSMA PET/CT, one of the most accurate imaging tools available today.
What PSMA PET/CT Helps Detect:
- Very early prostate cancer spread
- Recurrence when PSA levels rise
- Small metastases often missed by CT, MRI, or bone scans
Clinical Uses:
PSMA PET/CT is commonly recommended for:
- Initial staging of prostate cancer
- Restaging when cancer may have returned
- Treatment planning, including evaluation for PSMA‑targeted therapies
- Monitoring response to treatment
With digital PET‑CT and PSMA imaging available locally, patients receive earlier answers and more accurate results—all in one visit.
Riverwood’s digital PET‑CT scanner provides exceptionally sharp, high‑resolution images that help detect disease earlier than traditional PET‑CT systems.
Patient Benefits:
- Up to 70% less radiation
- Motion correction to reduce blurring from breathing or movement
- Faster, more comfortable scans
- Entire scan completed in one position
Radiology Blog
