Anyone involved with the birth of a child thinks a blurry black-and-white image of a baby still developing is amazing, but San Luis Diagnostic Center has now taken the old ultrasound technology to a new level by offering revolutionary new 4D ultrasounds.

This fourth dimension gives real-time motion to three-dimensional images, enhancing San Luis Diagnostic Center’s diagnostic capabilities, therapy planning, and ultrasound-guided procedures, such as biopsies.

Dr. Fred Vernacchia said the center has had the 4D Ultrasound for about a month, and it’s the only one available in the county. He said it doesn’t cost any more than a regular ultrasound and they include it in routine examinations.

“It’s easier for us to do such things as count fingers, look for a folded neck, and see things like a cleft palate. This is the only type of technology offered in the world, and it’s phenomenal,” Vernacchia said.

Traditional ultrasound images are two-dimensional and have generally been a safe and non-intrusive method for physicians to see inside the human body. Vernacchia said with this new technology it’s now easy to show patients what they are seeing in their bodies, and that it is especially exciting for expectant parents to see their baby for the first time.

With the 4D Ultrasound—widely recognized for its clinical use in obstetrics and gynecology—physicians now have a powerful tool to aid them in studying a baby’s motion, behavior, and surface anatomy. In addition, it can enhance imagery of any problems related to a woman’s uterus or ovaries. 4D Ultrasound also has the potential to help patients at risk for breast and prostate cancer and other medical conditions. San Luis Diagnostic Center also offers state-of-the art open, high-field, and high-speed MRI; multi-detector CT; mammography; and computed radiography. For more information, call San Luis Diagnostic Center at 542-9700.

FAST FACTS

The Atascadero High School Class of 2004 Grad Nite Committee is accepting cash, gift certificates, or items to be awarded as prizes at Atascadero High’s Grad Nite. “Grad Nite” is an all-night party that ensures high school seniors return home safe and sober the morning after graduation. The celebration includes activities, food, and prizes. Gift certificates and monetary donations can be made payable to Grad Nite 2004, Attn: Prizes, P.O. Box 1337, Atascadero, CA, 93423. For more information, contact Jeanne Anderson at 466-4328 or Jennifer Anderson at 438-3693 …

… The San Luis Obispo Kiwanis de Tolosa (Monday night Kiwanis) had a barbecue for the homeless at the EOC homeless shelter on Orcutt and Broad in SLO on Dec. 23; attorney James Duenow bought a barbecue grill at the annual Kiwanis auction and decided to put it to good use. The menu featured San Luis-style chicken with all the fixin’s.

… People don’t need to drink to have a good time on New Year’s Eve. “New Years Live” will be held at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande for those people. The event will raise funds for “The Gift of Music,” which donates instruments to Lucia Del Mar Schools. Two solo artists, Jake Brebes and Chanlder, will perform, as well as five bands: Briertone, Space Available, Sparrows Gate, Halcyon, and In Arms. Tickets are $7 and will be available at the door. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more info, call Jennifer Erickson at 710-0242. ³

This week’s Strokes & Plugs were compiled by Staff Writer Matt McBride and intern Sierra Fish.