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The dedicated specialized team of physicians in collaboration with the radiology divisions provides a state-of art imaging service in cardiac CT and MRI. These advanced cardiac imaging services are available to our patients at all Clarian affiliated facilities.
Cardiac CT and Coronary CT Angiography
In collaboration with the radiology division, we offer cardiac CT imaging service. We have been routinely performing cardiac CT calcium score assessment. At present, we have two 64-slice Phillips CT scanners that are capable of performing coronary CT angiography. These studies are co-performed and interpreted by a cardiologist and radiologist. Cardiac CT is also routinely performed for assessment of pulmonary vein anatomy and aortic pathology. We perform on average a total of 50 studies per month and expect this service to grow as this noninvasive technique improves and evolves to a routine clinical imaging tool. Our fellowship program includes combined cardiac CT and MRI training to our trainees since July 2006. We expect this to include advanced imaging experience to our fellows as cardiac CT imaging modalities expands its role in current clinical practice. The combined cardiac CT and MRI imaging rotations will include 1-2 months of rotations in both services.
Cardiac MRI
Assessment of heart disease by cardiac MRI is being performed routinely at present. Cardiac MRI service is co-directed by radiology and cardiology. All commercially available and some research scanning sequences for cardiac imaging are available on two 1.5 T and a 3T Siemens scanners. We also have dedicated 1.5 T and PET/ CT research scanners. Studies are being performed for all routine indications including viability assessment, evaluation of Cardiomyopathy or valvular heart disease, aortic pathology and assessment of complex congenital heart disease. MRA assessment of the aorta, pulmonary artery, aortic great vessels and its branches and pulmonary vein are also routinely performed. Our current volumes are about 50 studies per month, and we expect that to increase as this imaging modality and its utility becomes evident in clinical practice. Combined cardiac imaging rotations will include training in cardiac MRI. Research and education will remains a vital part of this clinical cardiac imaging service.
