This is the newest non-invasive test which visualizes the coronary arteries and coronary bypass grafts using the 64 Slice CT/PET scanner or the EBCT scanner and intravenous dye injection. This 10 minute procedure requires no special preparations. Dr. Santora and OC Vital Imaging have been one of the leading developers of this technology. Your physician needs to determine if this test is suitable for you.

The non-invasive angiogram is also called a CT angiogram. CT angiograms of the coronary arteries are interpreted by the highly experienced cardiologists of The Orange County Heart Institute. Our cardiologists are very experienced at performing invasive coronary angiograms as well performing coronary interventions such as intra-coronary stents and balloon angioplasty. Many of our cardiologists have an average of 20 years each performing balloon angioplasties and intra-coronary stents. This gives them the depth of experience with coronary angiography which is so important in interpreting CT angiograms of the coronary arteries. Dr. Santora, Dr. Azer and Dr. Alimadadian oversee the CT angiography program at OC Vital Imaging. With our latest state of the art imaging software, CT angiography at OC Vital Imaging offers unparallel pictures of the coronary arteries.

If you choose to have a CT angiogram of your heart at another imaging center, make sure that they are interpreted by experienced invasive cardiologists using 64 Slice CT/PET or EBCT scanners.

How do we chose which scanner is used for your CT angiogram? For the most part, almost all coronary CT angiograms are performed on the GE 64 Slice CT/PET due to the shorter breath hold, ability of the scanner to penetrate through thicker bodies, and the ability of the scanner to see the size of smaller arteries, compared to the EBCT scanner. However, there are times when the EBCT scan may be used, especially in those patients with irregular heart beats, in which the EBCT can scan when the heart rate is faster or irregular. Also, the EBCT scanner will be used when there are radiation concerns in the younger patient. This is a decision on which type of CT scanner to use is best made by the cardiologist overseeing the study.

Indications for CT Angiography

• To evaluate bypass graphs in patients who have had coronary bypass surgery

• To evaluate patients who have abnormal or equivocal stress tests

• To evaluate younger patients who have coronary calcium on EBCT scan

• To evaluate patients who have unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath

• To evaluate the coronary arteries in patients who have unexplained congestive heart failure or a cardiomyopathy or to evaluate patient in preparation for atrial fibrillation ablation