UMass Memorial Introduces ‘ HeartFlow Planner, ’ 3D Tech For Artery Disease

WORCESTER (CBS) — Many patients who have blockages in their coronary arteries undergo special CAT scans to evaluate the problems. Now UMass Memorial Medical Center is using new 3D imaging to get a more detailed look. Joseph Callaghan, 79, has blockages in his coronary arteries. But his kidney disease complicates the picture, and it’s unclear whether he could benefit from heart surgery.  “I’m still under scrutiny by the doctors to determine what is the best course of treatment,” Callaghan said. Joseph Callaghan, 79, has blockages in his coronary arteries. (WBZ-TV) Doctors at UMass Memorial are for the first time getting a better look at Callaghan’s arteries with a non-invasive technology called the HeartFlow Planner. The new modeling tool works by taking data from a patient’s CAT scan to develop a color-coded 3D model of the coronary arteries, while measuring drops in pressure along the vessels that indicate the degree to which the vessels have narrowed. It was cleared by the FDA in September.  Callaghan is undergoing a coronary CAT scan to identify the location and degree of disease in his blood vessels. But when interpreting these factors can be difficult for some patients, doctors at UMass Memorial say the HeartFlow is providing new insight. Radiologist David Gerson said the technology gives him additional information for “a more specific recommendation to the cardiologist as to how to manage the patient.”  Looking at images of Call...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Health Syndicated CBSN Boston Syndicated Local Dr. Mallika Marshall UMass Memorial Hospital Worcester news Source Type: news