The Duke Cardiothoracic division of Radiology in collaboration with Cardiology is pleased to provide cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA)- an established non-invasive, fast, and reliable study for evaluation of the coronary arteries.
Imaging includes assessment of the coronary anatomy, stenosis and plaque burden. The American College of Radiology and American College of Cardiology rate coronary CTA as a first line imaging studies in the assessment of symptomatic coronary artery disease.
BENEFITS OF CARDIAC CTA
- Non-invasive: compared to cardiac catheterization, cardiac CTA only requires an IV, and does not require passage of wires and catheters into the aorta and coronary arteries, thereby eliminating the risk of iatrogenic vascular injury, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
- Less contrast volume: cardiac CTA uses, on average, 50% less contrast than cardiac catheterization, which reduces the likelihood of kidney damage.
- Fast: a cardiac CTA exam can be performed in a few seconds.
- High sensitivity: cardiac CTA has submillimeter resolution which allows for the accurate detection of both calcified and non-calcified (“soft”) atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis. National statistics indicate that approximately 1 out of every 3 patients who undergo cardiac catheterization do not have disease requiring intervention. The high negative predictive value of CTA allows more efficient triage and resource allocation and minimizes unnecessary procedures.
- Non-invasive computation fluid dynamics (CT-FFR) allow for additional assessment if a stenosis if flow limiting.
- Lower does: Our modern CT scanners require a fraction of the dose of older CT scanners, and nuclear stress tests (dose range of 12-25 mSv). Advances in CT technology continue to decrease patient radiation exposure through faster scan times and dose-modulation techniques.
SCHEDULING
TO SCHEDULE A CARDIAC CTA, PLEASE CONTACT THE DUKE HEART CENTER COMMUNICATIONS AT 919-681-5816 #3.