CT of the heart, often called “virtual catheterization,” is a CT scan conducted in line with the heart’s mobility (ECG-gated). The test is performed in the Imaging Institute using the new and fast Siemens Flash CT Scanner.
Shaare Zedek’s Cardiac Imaging Unit has a number of significant advantages:
- The CT scanner’s unique speed allows us to test the vast majority of patients, irrespective of any significant pulse changes (which is a limitation in other scanners.)
- The scanner’s speed also enables us to examine patients who find it hard to hold their breath for any length of time. The significance of this is that we can conduct the tests on a wide range of patients (almost without any limitations), with excellent results compared to those of other scanners.
- Thanks to the experience of the Unit team and a combination of innovative and special technologies for reducing radiation, we are able to conduct the test at the very lowest radiation levels in the majority of cases. For example, we are able to lower exposure to around 1 millisievert (mSv), compared to 3-15 mSv in similar tests conducted in Israel. To emphasize the point, radiation levels in cardiac mapping range from 10-25 mSv and in diagnostic catheterization it is approximately 7 mSv. In general, we can say that reducing radiation amounts is critical and all the more important in younger patients (under 60) and women.
- A further advantage is minimal exposure to the contrasting agent injected during the test.
- It is also worthy to note that appointment availability is high.