Non-invasive Coronary Artery Imaging
NOW AVAILABLE AT MANHASSET DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING - 64 SLICE CT
Manhasset Diagnostic Imaging is pleased to introduce its new state-of-the-art
64 slice CT, the GE Light Speed VCT Scanner. Leading the way with its commitment
to excellence, MDI is the first radiology imaging center on the North Shore
of Long Island to offer this advanced technology to our referring physicians
and patients. The 64-slice scanner represents a breakthrough in imaging –
especially regarding coronary artery CT angiography.
The major advantage of the 64 row CT is improved image quality, due to greater
temporal and spatial resolution. Each gantry rotation of .35 seconds allows
an acquisition of 64 slices, translating to over 180 slices per second., in
comparison with standard multislice CT (only 4 or 16 slices per second). For
routine CT, this allows faster scans, with thinner slices, enabling higher
resolution. Larger areas of anatomy can be scanned in a single breath, thus
eliminating motion artifact. This is especially revolutionary for cardiac
imaging, when the entire heart scan can be obtained in ONLY 5 heartbeats (5
seconds). This avoids motion blurring (occurring with the 16 slice scanner,
which required a breath hold of 20 or more seconds). With the 64-slice scanner,
the shorter acquisition time allows perfect synchronization with the stable
phase of the EKG, improving imaging quality. In addition, the larger scanning
field of view and faster imaging enables visualization of the entire length
of the coronary arteries, with uniform contrast opacification and no venous
contamination.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?:
New high-resolution multi-slice CT enables us to detect narrowing
of the coronary arteries in asymptomatic as well as symptomatic patients.
Early detection of narrowing of the coronary arteries leads to early treatment,
which in many cases can prevent a heart attack. In addition, this high resolution
CT technique allows the diagnosis of the different types of plaques that adhere
to the
wall of the arteries & cause a high risk for heart attack. Soft &
fibrousplaques are a treatable if diagnosed early. Conventional invasive coronary
angiography can only determine narrowing & not the nature of the plaque.
The CT exam, in addition to being non-invasive, can often give this important,
previously unavailable information.
HOW IS THIS TEST DONE?:
The test is performed utilizing the latest generation multi-slice CT (this is non-claustrophobic). The examination is performed following injection of standard CT contrast into a vein in the arm & takes less than 5 minutes.
WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS TEST DONE? ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS WITH RISK FACTORS:
