Latest Technology in Imaging Devices Increasing Non-Invasive Diagnostic Capability

New Cardiac 64-slice CT and Cardiovascular Positron Emission
Tomography Scanners Employed at Oklahoma Heart Hospital

OKLAHOMA CITY—The Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates (OCA) have combined resources to bring their patients the latest technology in imaging diagnostics with the addition of a cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner and the newest state-of-the-art 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner. "The 64-slice CT scanner has revolutionized cardiovascular medicine by allowing the cardiologist to image and “see” the coronary arteries around the heart with the same high quality and clarity as a more invasive heart catheterization procedure,” said Dr. Leslie Oberst, Director of the Cardiovascular CT Department at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. “People inherently have risk factors, but up to this time, with the exception of cardiac catherization, we have not been able to pick up these high risk groups noninvasively. I see this test replacing much of the standard stress tests and routine cardiac catherization we are doing today." The breakthrough technology of the 64-slice CT enables coronary artery disease to be diagnosed much earlier when vessels are narrowed about 20% to 30%. The majority of heart attacks occur suddenly from coronary blockages less than 50% and involving one artery. Most standard stress test imaging offered today can only pick up severe blockages of the coronary arteries. Mild to moderate blockages go undiagnosed. The 64-slice CT is a virtually pain-free test that offers clear, detailed, high-quality images of the heart and can image other problems such as aortic aneurysm, andblockages in the arteries of the brain and lower extremities. Oklahoma Heart Hospital’s Cardiac PET Scanner First in the Region “Positron Emission Tomography is rapidly becoming a major imaging diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease”, noted Dr. Carolyn Corn, Director of Nuclear Cardiology at OCA. “The PET/CT scan is used in two ways: First, it can detect areas of reduced blood flow in the heart from narrowed arteries. Second, it can differentiate between heart muscle that is scar tissue and heart muscle that is damaged but may still benefit from intervention with medications or other procedures. PET is different from MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT because it measures the metabolic process or chemistry of the tissues in and around the heart, as opposed to simply “seeing” the structure of the heart. PET images the function of the heart muscle rather than the structure of the heart. A radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer is injected, via an IV, and the gamma ray emissions of the tracer are measured by the PET scanner’s array of detectors. A CT scan is then superimposed on the data to correct for common sources of artifact such as breast implants, obesity, or lung disease. A computer analyzes the data and presents it in images that can be interpreted by the cardiovascular imaging specialist. The data gives images of blood flow and information about the pump function of the heart both at rest and during stress. Medicare is now covering the 64-slice coronary CT scan; however, private insurance coverage is varied based on the individual insurance company. Universal coverage is expected soon, because once Medicare covers a procedure the insurance companies typically follow. The test costs between $900 to $1500, much less than other current diagnostic tests. The 64-slice CT is a diagnostic test and not a screening test, therefore a physician must order this test. The patient must have a doctor to follow up on the test results and offer treatment options as needed. For those who do not have a primary physician to consult but still believe their symptoms warrant the test, they can be seen on an per case basis by calling and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Oberst at (405) 6081664. Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates is the state’s largest group of cardiovascular specialists with 39 physicians in nearly 40 clinics across Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. ocaheart.com The Oklahoma Heart Hospital is the state’s first all-digital hospital totally focused on the care of hearts and the vascular system. For the location nearest you call 888-777-3818.

Posted on Tue, March 6, 2007 by amine ouahidi