The study, the first of its kind, compared ECG-gated cardiac MDCT angiography to conventional angiography. "MDCT angiography is a reliable alternative to invasive conventional coronary angiography, and should be used to evaluate the coronary veins prior to pacemaker lead placement, and other procedures MDCT angiography improves the quality of diagnosis and treatment for the patient by providing better planning of the procedure prior to surgery, such as pacemaker placement," said Georg Mhlenbruch, MD, lead author of the study.

"Conventional angiography is of limited value for some interventional cardiac procedures," said the authors of the study, because it is technically challenging and requires access to the central venous system. Because the coronary veins are variable in number, caliber and course, detailed knowledge of the patient's individual anatomy is essential for optimum planning of the intended procedure. Thus, there is a need for precise imaging the cardiac venous system, Dr. Mhlenbruch said.

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Contact: Philip Knowles
pknowles@arrs.org
703-858-4304
American Roentgen Ray Society
29-Dec-2005