The findings of an international trial led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University were presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association. The trial details results of 64-CT scans on patients with possible blockage of the arteries.
The 64-slice CT scan was introduced in the US in 2005 and helps cardiologists determine more quickly who can skip a more invasive procedure called cardiac catherization. In cardiac catherization a tube is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin area and maneuvered up to the heart where a dye is injected to enable a clear X-ray to be taken of the beating heart and its arterial blood supply. The CT scan passes x-rays through the body and produces digital signals that are detected and reconstructed for a precise picture.
The CT scan will not prevent those with suspected blockages from having to undergo the cardiac catherization but will eliminate an estimated 25% from having to undergo the procedure.
The research found that 91% of patients with blockages were detected and 83% of those that had none. Researchers believe this should allow cardiologists to accurately determine which patients need angioplasty or bypass surgery.
[Source: HealthDay]
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