University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) advanced scanning technology allows its physicians to tailor radiation exposure to patients, providing first-time personalized cardiac imaging. The imaging system operates with a super-sensitive detector to target with pinpoint precision the location and severity of heart damage. The Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging system uses cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) crystal detectors in a camera, providing sharper, high-resolution 3-D
images in a safe, non-invasive test. The Heart Institute’s CZT camera means scanning time is reduced by 75% – to between three to five minutes from 15 to 20 minutes.
Dr. Terrence Ruddy, Chief of Cardiology, UOHI said, Our next generation technology offers more flexible options for our patients because both the imaging times and the radiation exposure are variable” said Dr. Terrence Ruddy, Chief of Cardiology. For the first time we can fine tune a diagnostic scan based on the patient’s needs and offer personalized cardiac imaging. For patients who are older, have a slight build or suffer health problems, we can dramatically shorten the test. Patients who are younger, stronger and have no health complications can manage a longer imaging test but with less radiation exposure.
Dr. Ruddy said, Cardiovascular imaging technology is an extremely important tool because it has the potential to prevent and reduce cardiac events such as heart attack. These steps are critical to improving health care and helping us to manage a growing population who suffer from heart disease.
Important research and patient information is gleaned from imaging damaged hearts. The Heart Institute is home to the National Cardiac PET Centre, Canada’s most comprehensive cardiac imaging centre. The advanced SPECT is among the new fleet of technology ushering in a new era of imaging geared to faster scanning and less radiation. Ultra-sophisticated technologies like these are available in only a few molecular imaging facilities around the world. Radiotracers injected into the body are captured and analyzed with a 3D image showing details of internal anatomy and cardiac function. Imaging techniques at the Heart Institute include Positron Emission
About UOHI
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada’s largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech are with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize ardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate iscoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national and international community, and are
pioneering a new era in heart health. For more information, visit www.ottawaheart.ca