Diagnostic Achievements

Interventional Achievements
Alaska 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 …
First And Only to offer functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Neuro-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.
The First To Offer 3D Printing
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.
First And Only In Alaska To Offer MR Elastography
The 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.
MRE
Magnetic 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.
MRI / Ultrasound Fusion
ARA collaborated with local Urologists to provide the detailed digital tools they need to provide state of the art MRI / Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsies.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
ARA Implemented a new scanning protocol using diffusion tensor imaging to allow better depiction of white matter changes in demyelinating diseases and central neurological injury.
Quantitative Volumetric Neuroimaging
ARA Introduced quantitative volumetric neuroimaging to assess patients with history of concussion/traumatic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological diseases.
High resolution rectal MRI
In partnership with Imaging Associates and Providence Imaging Center, ARA introduced high resolution rectal MRI for rectal cancer staging in Alaska.
24/7 in-hospital Radiologists
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.
First high-field Open MRI
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.
3T MRI to the MatSu Valley
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA introduced the first 3T MRI to the MatSu Valley.
Breast Tomosynthesis guided biopsies
ARA’s skilled women’s imagers were the first radiologists in Alaska performing Breast Tomosynthesis guided biopsies (at PIC).
State of the art 3D mammograms
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.
ARA recruited Dr. Allen Rubin
ARA 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.
Metal Suppression MRI
Introduced Alaska’s first dedicated Metal Suppression MRI service for imaging orthopedic implants.
Multi-parametric Prostate MRI
Introduced Alaska’s first non-invasive multi-parametric Prostate MRI program.
Musculoskeletal CT and MRI
Introduced 100% sub-specialty interpretations of Musculoskeletal CT and MRI.
Partnership with Imaging Associates
In 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.
Breast MRI to the Matsu-Valley
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.