2/15/2012 – The newest high-speed, high-resolution cardiac imaging technology now being used at LG Health greatly reduces imaging time and radiation exposure for patients.
According to GE Healthcare, LG Health is the first in Pennsylvania to offer the Discovery™ NM 530 cardiac nuclear imaging system administered by The Heart Group at the expanded Harrisburg Avenue Outpatient Center, 217 Harrisburg Avenue in Lancaster.
"The key advantage of this new nuclear camera is the reduction of radiation by 40 percent, which is much safer for the patient," said Ron Jacob, MD, LG Health section chief, non-invasive cardiology department. "Image quality is better and the faster scanning can be more comfortable for patients."
Dr. Jacob explained the cardiac imaging study is one of the stress tests, in addition to the treadmill and EKG, used to diagnose patients who are at higher risk for cardiac events. In conventional nuclear cardiac imaging, patients had to lie flat on the table and hold their arms above their head for two scans that take between 15 to 20 minutes each.
"Patients needed to lie completely still while the camera moved over and around them, which is difficult for patients who are claustrophobic or for patients with back, hip or knee problems," added Dr. Jacob. "Our new system captures image data in 3–5 minutes per scan, which allows us to scan these patients with minimal discomfort without compromising image quality."
During the exam, the patient is injected with a radioactive isotope that collects in the cardiac tissue. The patient is then scanned with the camera, which is more sensitive than a conventional nuclear imaging camera. Shorter scan times and stationary equipment reduce possible artifacts in the scan caused by movement, and the advanced imaging platform—similar to the difference between regular and high-definition TV—detects even small details of heart disease, resulting in improved accuracy.
The LG Health non-invasive cardiology team performs about 15,000 echocardiograms, 3,500 stress tests, and 75,000 electrocardiograms per year. "All of our physicians and technologists are highly trained and credentialed in their respective fields," said Dr. Jacob. "We work collaboratively with the referring physician to quickly and accurately diagnose each patient's condition and develop an appropriate and effective treatment plan."
Pictured from left to right in front: Drs. Gurdinper Chatha, Joselius Ibarra; In back, left to right: Drs. Ron Jacob, Ajay Marwaha, John Slovak