Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Advanced MRI technologies offer high-speed and high-resolution images of the beating heart. These images accurately illustrate the heart chambers, heart muscle, wall motion, ejection fraction and blood flow. Cardiac MRI is used to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects and other problems of the heart muscle and pericardium.

A Cardiac MRI is noninvasive, does not use radiation and takes about 45 minutes. With some exceptions, it’s safe for those with cardiac stents, artificial valves and metal implants. Plus, our skilled and compassionate team is experienced at helping reduce claustrophobic anxiety.

Cardiac Computerized Tomography (CT)

Advanced CT instantly provides 3D, motion-free images of the beating heart. The images captured detail the coronary artery anatomy, including bypass grafts, plaque features and stenosis severity. A computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) combines CT technology with an injection of a contrast dye to create detailed images of the blood vessels.

These images allow our physicians to diagnose and treat disease more accurately. High-speed imaging also minimizes your breath-hold time.

Our team also provides expertise in:

• Complex vascular imaging
• Congenital heart disease
• Left- and right-ventricular function
• Pre- and post-TAVR evaluation
• Pre- and post-Watchman device implantation assessment
• Pulmonary vein mapping

Cardiac Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear imaging is helpful for those who are not candidates for simple stress tests, which involve exercise. The addition of nuclear imaging increases the diagnostic accuracy of the stress test, especially when coronary artery disease is suspected.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a specialized type of nuclear imaging. It involves an injection of nuclear isotopes and continuous imaging by a gamma camera that circles the body. This approach may help identify coronary artery disease in women, who often experience false positives with stress tests, as well as older patients. The information from this scan can help our cardiologists determine who is a candidate for coronary angiography, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Echocardiography (ECHO)

An echo uses ultrasound, or sound waves, to create pictures of the heart. These pictures are more detailed than standard X-ray images. Specialized testing includes:

• Transthoracic echo—most common type of echo
• Interventional echo—guides valvular and other percutaneous procedures
• Intraoperative echo—assists our surgical team with surgery planning
• Transesophageal echo—uses a probe inserted into the mouth and down the esophagus
• Stress echo—combines ultrasound with a stress test

All applicable studies include rigorous, specialized 3D analyses to ensure accuracy in assessing myocardial and valvular function, blood flow, hemodynamics and anatomical investigation.