Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The plaque, made up of cholesterol and other substances, causes the inside of the arteries to narrow and possibly block blood flow to the heart. Coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Identifying those blockages and their severity is a key part of deciding whether your coronary artery disease can be managed with medication, a minimally invasive procedure or heart surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute was the first in Louisville to offer CT-FFR as an option for advanced imaging analysis. Advanced imaging equipment at all four of Norton Healthcare’s adult-service hospitals in Louisville allows for the highest level of cardiac imaging available.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
CT-FFR is new technology that analyzes a cardiac CTA scan to produce highly accurate, 3D images showing where blockages are located and how much they are restricting blood flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute was the first in Louisville to offer this advanced imaging analysis to patients. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute has been using CT-FFR clinically since April 2020 and has been involved in research studies of CT-FFR. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute participated in the PRECISE trial and currently is participating in the RevealPlaque Trial. This experience has given the team expertise in this advanced technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The detail provided by CT-FFR previously was available only from a cardiac catheterization or a coronary angiogram. Angiograms are still the right option for many patients, but CT-FFR using HeartFlow technology allows many patients to have accurate imaging without an invasive procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How It Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Using your cardiac CTA scan, the HeartFlow technology creates a personalized digital 3D model of your coronary arteries. The HeartFlow analysis calculates how much each blockage limits your blood flow.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- A coronary CTA scan is taken, and if more information is needed, your cardiologist may use the images to perform a HeartFlow analysis. You won\u2019t need a new appointment or need to take any steps.<\/li>
- The HeartFlow technology will use the CT scan to create a digital 3D model of your coronary arteries and use the fundamentals of fluid dynamics to calculate how much each blockage limits your blood flow.<\/li>
- Your cardiologist will receive a color-coded 3D image of your coronary arteries to help determine the next step in your treatment plan.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does CT-FFR Take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After a CTA scan, which typically takes about 10 minutes,<\/strong> providers with expertise in advanced imaging apply CT-FFR analysis to the results. Results from CT-FFR are typically available in 24 to 48 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Plaque Analysis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plaque analysis allows your care team to give you an accurate assessment of your risk of coronary artery disease, as well as a personalized treatment plan. Gathering data on the placement and type of plaque helps your physicians get a comprehensive understanding of your heart and arteries, which they use to provide precise care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most major insurers, including Medicare, cover the HeartFlow analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt would have been a surprise heart attack, but new imaging technology revealed a hidden danger<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The CT-FFR stands out in stories like Tony Seadler\u2019s because of its ability to find something other tests can miss. In Tony\u2019s case, it immediately showed a blockage in his circumflex coronary artery.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n
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