CREMONA – The super tac for the heart arrives at the IRCCS Negrar: ‘sees’ thin plaques like a hair. It will reduce the use of coronarography by 50%. Possible applications also in oncology, orthopedics and neurology.
A single diagnostic investigation to simultaneously evaluate coronary arteries and cardiac muscle, with an image resolution never seen before, capable of detecting even the thinnest plates. It is in operation today at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria in Negrar (Verona) A latest generation cardio-tac, model Naeotom alpha.probased on technology Photon-Countingwhich represents a turning point in cardiovascular diagnostics.
The new tool, installed at the Department of Diagnostics for Images, allows you to precisely observe the anatomy of the coronaries, identifying minimal alterations and intercepting the subjects at risk of a heart attack early, allowing to intervene in the preventive phase.
“The innovative instrumentation sees first perceptible details: it has the smallest pixels ever used in a CT, like thousands of eyes capable of identifying minimal alterations of the arteries – explains Dr. Giovanni Fotidirector of the Diagnostic Department for Images -. It is radically different from the previous models: thanks to a special detector, it acquires each photon without loss of information, converting it directly into electrical signal. This guarantees much more clear images, with clearer anatomical borders, in reduced times and with less exposure to radiation ».
According to Dr. Carmelo CicciòMedical Director Expert in Cardio-Vascular Radiology of the IRCCS Negrar, the new CT it will allow to avoid coronarography in over 50% of cases: «By improving the accuracy of the images obtained with a single exam, the path opens up to the early diagnosis of the main coronary pathologies. It is a precious support even for more complex or already subjected to angioplasty patients. In addition, it allows high heart frequencies scans without the need for drugs to slow down the beat, making it possible to observe the heart in action, even under stress ».
But the advantages do not stop at cardiology: Photon-Counting technology will also find application in Oncology, Orthopedics and Neurologyareas in which it is essential to increase sensitivity and diagnostic specificity. A further benefit is the low dose of radiationparticularly useful for pediatric patients and for those who need frequent checks. “With these advanced technologies – concludes the CEO Claudio Cracco – Negrar’s IRCCS is confirmed at the forefront in the diagnostics for images, opening new therapeutic horizons and strengthening its role as an institution of research and care of excellence at the patient service “.
