What is a CT Scan?
CT (Computed Tomography) Scanning, also called CAT scanning, is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computer technology to produce multiple images of the inside of the body. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular X-ray exams.
The CT scan’s X-ray beam moves around the patient, scanning from hundreds of different angles. The computer takes all this information and puts together a three-dimensional image of the body. Doctors can even examine the body one narrow slice at a time to pinpoint specific areas of concern.
What to Expect
CT exams are generally painless, fast, and easy. Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion can lead to artifacts on the images, similar to the blurring seen on a photograph taken of a moving object.
When you enter the CT scanner, special lights may be used to ensure that you are properly positioned. With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing, clicking, and whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the imaging process. You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan. However, the technologist can see, hear, and speak with you at all times.
If an intravenous contrast material is used, you will feel a slight pin-prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Some patients may experience a sensation like they have to urinate, but this quickly subsides.
After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities. If you receive contrast material, you may be given special post-imaging instructions. You may be asked to refrain from taking metformin following your scan.
Preparing for Your Scan
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, may affect CT images and should be left at home or removed before your exam. You may also be asked to remove any hearing aids and removable dental work.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used in your exam. Your examination may require oral preparation or intravenous contrasts given during your exam. You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to any contrast material or “dye,” your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Due to the radiation used for this test, women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
CCTA with Cleerly Coronary Analysis
Available Exclusively in Our Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Naples Markets
Heart Disease Today
Over 50% of people who will suffer a heart attack do so without experiencing any prior symptoms and, unfortunately, more than 70% of patients who do end up having a heart attack are also considered low risk by traditional testing. We believe there’s a better, more personalized way to achieve heart health and avoid heart attacks.
A New Way Forward
ProScan Imaging now offers CCTA with the Cleerly coronary analysis to help you understand your personal risk of a heart attack – earlier, and with the highest precision available, before a cardiac event becomes inevitable.
What is Cleerly?
The Cleerly coronary analysis is a complete evaluation of the presence, amount, and type of plaque, the root cause of heart disease, in the heart’s arteries based on a Cardiac CT exam (CCTA). Images captured in the CCTA exam are processed by Cleerly software – a set of artificial intelligence based algorithms – and translated into measurements and reports for review by you and your physician. The results of the Cleerly analysis give a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s current state of disease for reference in ongoing heart health and treatment.
Is Cleerly Covered by Insurance?
CCTA with the Cleerly coronary analysis is a self pay exam unless you are symptomatic or have a history of heart disease.
Where is Cleerly Available?
The Cleerly coronary analysis is available at these ProScan Imaging locations:
ProScan Imaging Midtown, Cincinnati, OH
ProScan Imaging Crestview Hills, Kentucky
ProScan Imaging / NCH Downtown Naples, Florida
ProScan Imaging / NCH Medical Blvd., Naples, Florida
HeartFlow FFRCT Analysis
Available Exclusively in Our Cincinnati and Naples Markets
ProScan Imaging is advancing the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CAD) with the HeartFlow Analysis. CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain, heart attacks and death. HeartFlow FFRCT Analysis is a cardiac test that incorporates decades of scientific evidence with the latest advances in artificial intelligence.
ProScan Imaging offers this non-invasive heart test delivering a 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries showing blockages and impacted blood flow to the heart.
If a patient has stable chest pain or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), a clinician may order a standard coronary CTA (“CCTA”) with Heartflow Analysis scan to look for blockage. If there are blockages identified, a HeartFlow Analysis will be completed to understand the functional impact of blockage
Benefits of HeartFlow:
- Provides a more detailed view of the significance of coronary artery blockage than a standard coronary CT scan
- Non-invasive – no additional risk
- Reduces the need for follow-up testing and evaluation
- Helps physicians better determine the appropriate treatment of care
How it Works:
If a patient has stable chest pain or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), a clinician may order a standard coronary CTA (“CCTA”) scan to look for blockages. If there are blockages identified, a HeartFlow Analysis may be ordered to understand the functional impact of blockage. This does not require another appointment and there is no additional risk.
