(2) Philips 64 Slice Brilliance CT Scanners

A Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA) is most appropriate for men, ages 35 to 70 and women 40 to 70, who have any of these risk factors: family history of heart disease, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or overweight. A physician's order is necessary. CCTA is often used in screening for heart disease. If you have risk factors, we encourage you to ask your doctor about a Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiograms.

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your study.
• Refrain from consuming caffeine in any form 12 hours prior to exam.
• An iodine-based IV contrast media is injected to better visualize blood flow and vessels in the vascular system.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam time.

For your safety, please notify our scheduling department and technologists:

• If you are pregnant
• If you have severe allergies or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to X-ray dye or iodine
• If you are taking a beta-blocker or Viagra
• Of any medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or kidney stones
• If you have a history of renal failure, liver or kidney transplant

During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area and can assist you if necessary. Our changing rooms offer secure lockers, but we encourage patients to leave valuables at home. Once changed, our patient advocate will guide you to the sub-waiting area where you will find a selection of magazines and newspapers. A staff member will notify you when it is time for your CT Scan and will introduce you to the CT technologist.

Using a CT scanner's X-rays, we will examine the arteries in your heart for both hard and soft plaque, which is a major contributing factor in heart attacks. The test takes approximately 25 minutes, during which you will lie on your back and our technologist will ask you to hold your breath for approximately 20 second intervals. The images captured in this scan allow the radiologist to construct a three-dimensional image of your heart and measure blood flow, as well as narrowing of the arteries.

The technologist is specially trained and certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists to take care of you during your CT scan. The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT table. Your body may be supported by pillows to hold you still and in the proper position during the scan. As the study proceeds, the table will move slowly into the CT scanner 'doughnut.'

This study will require IV injected contrast agents to help us visualize certain tissue or blood vessels. Some patients describe a metallic taste or tingling sensation right after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides very quickly.

• You may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist review your images.
• A sub-specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician.
• Results are usually made available to your physician in two or three days. If outside comparison studies are required, it may take longer for your results to be made available.
• Your physician will determine how the radiologists' report can be used

to develop a treatment plan and speak with you about your results.

Cardiac CT Angiography is used to examine blood vessels in and around the heart. Physicians may use the procedure to:

• Identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta or in other major blood vessels
• Guide surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, such as implanting or evaluating a stent
• Identify dissection in the aorta or its major branches
• Show the extent and severity of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries
• Plan for a surgical operation, such as coronary bypass
• Screen individuals for arterial disease, especially patients with a family history of arterial disease or disorders
• Detect thrombosis (clots) in veins

(Source: RadiologyInfo.org)