New PET/CT Scanner at Stern Cardio

Join Dr. Mit V. Patel as he introduces the new PET/CT machine available at Stern Cardiovascular. In this brief overview, Dr. Patel explains that a PET scan is a specialized imaging test that helps determine heart function and evaluates how well blood flows to the heart muscle.

He also breaks down the two components used in this imaging process:

• The PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner.
• The CT scanner, which assists with the anatomical evaluation of your heart.

Who can benefit the most from their new PET/CT machine.

This specialized imaging test is particularly useful for patients with:

• A previous history of coronary artery disease.
• Prior bypass surgery or stents in their heart.
• Known complex coronary disease.
• Diabetes.
• A history of being on dialysis, which often presents with heavy coronary calcium.

The PET/CT scan helps determine the calcium burden and provides exact absolute values of the blood flow delivered to the heart muscle. Additionally, it identifies if there are any reductions in blood flow to certain areas and measures the severity of those reductions.