A new home-based sleep test for those concerned about obstructive sleep apnea is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

This was made possible because of new equipment and software at the hospital’s Sleep and Diagnostic Center, which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea is a general term for breathing problems that occur during sleep, including breathing cessation many times during the night.

Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, morning headaches, high blood pressure and frequent awakenings.

“We encourage anyone who has questions about these symptoms to contact their healthcare provider,” said Megan Donecker, sleep lab director and registered polysomnographer. “If a home sleep test is ordered, we will supply the information and equipment.”

During the apnea test, the patient wears a device called WatchPat on a wrist in the comfort of their own home. The device is disposable.

“This new equipment is more accurate than other devices because we can now see stages of sleep,” Donecker noted. “The only thing we need from the patient is a doctor’s referral.”

The hospital’s sleep lab offers in-house tests for sleep apnea, as well as a host of other conditions. These include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, to name a few, Donecker said.

“Sleep apnea is the most common disorder we see at the lab, but we are here for many other concerns,” Donecker noted. “Our two sleep rooms are comparable to hotel suites. Patients are often impressed with the whole atmosphere, which offers many comforts of home.”

Amenities in each room include a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, large recliner chair, large bathroom with spacious shower, television and safe for personal belongings.

The home test for apnea is a good choice for many people but the “sleep-center setting offers many other services too,” the director commented. “We can look for more than 80 sleep disorders at the lab – not just apnea.”

To illustrate the importance of treating sleep apnea, Donecker said it is a risk factor that can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, daytime sleeping, depression, impotency, traffic accidents and increased mortality.

“Sleep is a huge factor in healing,” Donecker said. “If you aren’t getting good quality sleep, then you increase the risk for many health issues. Our bodies will compensate in amazing ways – until it just can’t.

“We understand it may be difficult to notice sleep-related red flags that our bodies are telling us about, especially when we self-treat with caffeine. I encourage everyone to start listening to what their bodies tell them and speak with a doctor when questions arise. Quality sleep makes for a better quality of life.”

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said the new home apnea test is “a great example of how the hospital continues to stay innovative and continues to expand services. Having an accredited sleep lab is unique to smaller, rural hospitals. This demonstrates our commitment to provide as many local options as possible.”

The sleep lab sees about 15 patients per month, with the potential for more. Dr. Son Truong is the medical director.

Latest 3D Mammography Technology Now Available in Larned

3D mammography, considered the most significant improvement in mammography in the past 30 years, is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

The imaging team at Pawnee Valley Campus encourages women over 40, or those who are overdue for a mammogram, to make an appointment for their 3D mammogram.

“3D has become the standard of care in mammography,” said Shelly Stanton, director of imaging. “It is so gratifying to offer this state-of-the-art technology to this wonderful community. Patients no longer need to travel to another town for a 3D mammogram. These screenings are quick and normally only take 10 to 15 minutes.”

An appointment can be made by calling the scheduling team at 785-623-6565. Specify that you prefer your appointment take place at Pawnee Valley Campus.

“You do not have to be a current Pawnee Valley Campus patient to receive this service,” Stanton said. “Everyone is welcome. All we need is an order for the mammogram from your healthcare provider so we know where to send the results.”

“I tell all women that I recommend screening mammograms starting at age 40, and I recommend that every woman continues screening mammograms each year,” said Crystal Hill, MD, family medicine. “Research shows that this screening regimen saves the most lives. Women need to know that breast cancer screening is so important because it’s the most common type of cancer in women and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death. We know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States. I encourage women to schedule their mammograms today.”

Those who have been getting 2D mammograms over the years “may want to consider this enhanced technology,” Stanton said. “3D takes approximately 300 image slices of tissue in the same amount of time as the 2D, which takes only four slices.”

The increased volume minimizes the overlapping of breast tissue, which can either hide or mimic cancer.

“More images results in fewer false alarms and greatly improves the screening’s accuracy, especially in patients with dense breast tissue,” Stanton said.

3D mammography has been clinically proven and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It can detect from 20 to 65 percent more invasive cancers than 2D. “It also has been shown to be superior for women with dense breast tissue,” Stanton added.

The new equipment was delivered Nov. 2 and installed with electrical and internet connections that communicate with electronic medical records and ordering systems.

“The new machine was tested by our radiation physicist to ensure it meets all stringent safety and imaging quality standards,” Stanton said, noting in-house training started Nov. 10.

The local community and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation made this possible, Stanton said. The fundraising goal was realized in less than a year.

“We are so blessed to live in our generous community and have the Foundation’s support,” Stanton said. “Pawnee Valley Campus wouldn’t be here without our neighbors and patients, as well as the many benefactors who donate time and money.”

Those who have questions about mammography or other services are encouraged to call the Pawnee Valley Campus imaging team directly at 620-285-8691.

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Latest 3D Mammography Technology Now Available in Larned