New non-invasive program to detect heart blockages

Banner Imaging is helping patients detect potential coronary blockages sooner than traditionally identified. The way is with a new non-invasive heart blockage program.

The patient undergoes an imaging test. The data from the procedure is used to create a color-coded 3D model that depicts the health of the patient’s coronary heart arteries. Red on the model indicates more artery blockage, and blue indicates a healthier artery.

This program is being developed in conjunction with HeartFlow. The procedure is non-invasive, helping physicians determine if a patient’s heart is receiving the blood flow needed to function properly.

Dr. Ben Benson, a radiologist at Banner Imaging, joined “Arizona Horizon” to further explain the procedure and its benefits.

“It’s made of an image. They take the CT angiogram images obtained during the course of the coronary CT examination for the patient, and they assess the inside of the coronary artery to see if there is a significant blockage that requires an intervention by an interventional cardiologist,” said Dr. Benson in regard to how the new non-invasive heart blockage program works.

Dr. Benson further stated, regarding the program, “It is extremely accurate. That’s one of the major advantages of the examination. If you have an artery that does not demonstrate any significant blockage, the patient can be managed medically without the need for their invasive surgical procedures.”