Procedures: 64-Slice CT Scanner

The New Defense Against Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 79,400,000 adults have at least one type of cardiovascular disease and 2,400 of these adults die daily. Most often these occurrences are among individuals younger than 70 years of age with no prior symptoms.

A non-invasive procedure called Computer Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the Coronary Arteries can provide insight into the status of your heart. Odessa Heart Institute provides the latest technological advancement for coronary evaluation utilizing the Philips 64-Slice CT scanner.

What is CTA?

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is a non-invasive procedure allowing physicians to evaluate a patient's coronary arteries utilizing a breakthrough imaging machine, a 64-slice CT scanner. A patient undergoing this procedure will receive an iodine containing contrast dye through in IV normally placed in the patient's arm. The dye runs through the blood vessels and provides a better visualization of the arteries. The entire procedure lasts about 60 minutes.

The CT scanner can also be used to evaluate a patient's coronary artery calcium score. This separate procedure can be performed in less than 10 seconds without the injection of a contrast dye. While the CTA provides a more in-depth image of the blood vessels, calcium scoring looks at the calcium build-up around a patient's heart. A negative calcium score is a good indicator that the coronary arteries are within normal limits. A positive calcium score may indicate that further evaluation of the patient's heart is required and that a CTA is needed.

We want to help you defend yourself against Heart Disease.

For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation please contact us:
(432) 337-3117.