OC Vital Imaging is one of the most advanced cardiac CT imaging centers in the United States. It is the only CT cardiac center with an EBCT scanner and a 64 Slice CT/PET scanner under one roof! This means we are able to provide the very best CT scanner for your particular health needs. Most CT centers have only one type of CT scanner which they use for all types of imaging. This presents a compromise in radiation exposure and diagnostic accuracy. We have the best scanner for wellness and screening tests, and the best scanner for diagnostic tests. No compromise. Larry Santora, MD, FACC is Medical Director of Cardiac CT, and Maged Azer, MD, FACC is Director of Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac P.E.T. Imaging for OC Vital Imaging and The Orange County Heart Institute.

Wellness and Screening Tests

TYPES OF SCREENING TESTS PROVIDED
Heart Scans for Coronary Calcium
Lung Scans
Full Body Scans
Bone Density
Virtual Colonoscopy

Screening tests are performed for patients who are believed to be healthy, asymptomatic and well. These patients want to see if they have any type of hidden disease, that if caught early, can be treated and possibly cured. We use the GE/Imatron Electron Beam CT scanner, referred to as an EBCT scanner. The EBCT scan is the proven type of CT scanner for screening tests. This is the fastest and most accurate CT scanner available for detecting coronary calcium and plaque. The EBCT scan is the only CT scan approved by the FDA for the detection of coronary calcium.

The EBCT has one-fifth to one-tenth the radiation dose of conventional CT scanners. The EBCT scan is also a superb scanner for lung scanning and full body scans because of the low radiation dose. Because the EBCT scan is so fast, it literally “freezes” the image of the beating heart, to produce extremely detailed and accurate picture of the arteries of the heart in a matter of seconds. At times the EBCT scan is also used for CT angiography. It is under the direct supervision of the Cardiologists of The Orange County Heart Institute, one of the largest and most experienced Cardiology groups in California.

EBCT Coronary Calcium Scans

Diagnostic Tests

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PROVIDED
CT coronary angiography
CT carotid angiography
CT angiography of aorta, renal and leg arteries
PET perfusion imaging for coronary blood flow

Diagnostic testing refers to a test used to try and find the extent of known disease or find a cause for a symptom. The diagnostic tests often require a different type of CT scanner, referred to as a multi-slice scanner. We use the newest GE 64 Slice CT/PET. What makes this CT scan so special is the exquisite detail of the images, especially when CT angiography (contrast (dye) is injected into an arm vein) to determine what the arteries of the head, heart, chest, abdomen and legs look like. This amazing scanner also is combined with a PET scanner. PET scans refer to Positron Emission Tomography scans which are specialized nuclear scans used to see amazing detail of blood flow to the heart muscle. These are referred to as ”perfusion PET scans” which is an exciting new technology used in heart testing. PET scans are also used to stage and detect and follow cancers. They are also approved as one of the few methods to detect Alzheimer’s disease. The 64 Slice CT/PET is provided by RADNET, INC, one of the leading radiology service providers in the country. All cardiac related studies are read and interpreted by the cardiologists of the Orange County Heart Institute.

At OC Vital Imaging, we are constantly re-evaluating our techniques and scanning methods. We have highly trained and experienced radiology technicians to perform our scans. The skill of the radiology technician is the crucial first step in obtaining superb images. Also, since cardiac imaging is under the medical direction of a large and experienced cardiology group, we are always evaluating the latest medical literature to provide our patients with the latest and most accurate information regarding their heart care. Few imaging centers in the country can match the experience and depth of knowledge we provide because we are associated with a large cardiology group.

We are confident that you will have a superb experience at OC Vital Imaging. We are freeway close, in the center of Orange County. Our beautiful center is staffed with skilled and compassionate personnel who only have your comfort and health in mind. A call today could save your life or the life of a loved one. If you do choose to have your heart, full body scan or virtual colonoscopy done at another facility, make sure that you are getting a scan using an EBCT scanner. If you are being referred for a diagnostic cardiac CT angiogram, ask if the center has a 64 Slice CT/PET and if the cardiac scans are interpreted by cardiologists. Remember, if you chose OC Vital Imaging for your screening or diagnostic CT tests, you will have access to the very best CT scanner for your particular health needs.