Innovations (page 4 of 5)
3D CT IMAGE AORTIC ROOT TRANSAPICAL
For planning percutaneous valve and transapical aortic valve replacement, high-resolution CT scans are used to assess the aortic valve. The valve leaflets and central blood flows are clearly seen in this image.
CORONARY CTA
Multi-detector CT scans of the heart (coronary computed tomography angiogram or coronary CTA) hold the prospect of largely replacing invasive diagnostic angiograms. CTA uses advanced CT technology, along with intravenous (IV) contrast material, to obtain high- resolution, three-dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels. These images enable physicians to determine whether plaque or calcium deposits are present in the artery walls.
CTA is being studied as a noninvasive method for detecting coronary artery narrowing or blockages. A CTA can be performed much faster (in less than one minute) than a cardiac catheterization, with potentially less risk and discomfort as well as decreased recovery time.
Cleveland Clinic continues to compare the outcomes of both 40-detector and 64- detector scanners. The best applications for these and other scanners continue to be refined by only a few leading cardiovascular centers.
A CT angiogram of the coronary artery tree showing open (green) and closed (red) segments, combined with MR images that confirm poor thickening (left image) and severe scarring (right image) in the area of the heart muscle where the artery is closed.
BLOOD VOLUME ANALYSIS
Intravascular volume can be directly measured noninvasively with isotopic tracer and dye dilution techniques. At Cleveland Clinic, blood volume analysis is used to confirm or evaluate a variety of diagnoses, including: hypovolemia, hypervolemia, polycythemia, orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, heart failure, conditions associated with acute blood loss and shock.
It can also be used to evaluate renal dialysis patients, determine precise volume replacement for blood transfusion, detect pseudo-anemia secondary to fluid retention, evaluate fluid status before and after evaluation, and as preoperative hemodilution therapy.
Blood volume analysis is easy to perform and Cleveland Clinic is a pioneer in using blood volume analysis for the evaluation of cardiovascular diseases.
BIOCHEMICAL AND INFLAMMATORY CAD MARKERS
Innovations in Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation include the use of biochemical and inflammatory markers of coronary artery disease (CAD). Other preventive approaches being investigated include the study of newer markers for coronary artery disease, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), dysfunctional HDL and nitrotyrosine.
An in-hospital program provides risk assessments before patients are discharged from the hospital. Patients who had a myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or an interventional procedure are evaluated.
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