Introduction to Advanced Cardiac Care

A new machine will bring advanced, artificial intelligence-enabled technology to CHI Memorial Hospital to help expedite cardiac care for patients in a less invasive yet more accurate manner.

Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities

The donor-funded cardiac CT machine will help physicians diagnose and monitor heart conditions, allowing care for an increased number of people, according to a news release from Memorial. The machine will be safer for patients and offers a significantly reduced radiation dose by up to 82%, compared to traditional CT scans.

3D Imaging Technology

The cardiac CT scanner creates detailed 3D images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, including one-beat, high definition, motion-free coronary images at any heart rate, according to the release. With this equipment, physicians can detect early signs of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and heart muscle abnormalities.

Insights from Experts

Vimal Ramjee, a cardiologist at The Chattanooga Heart Institute, stated that the machinery will allow for higher quality studies with increased consistency, precision, and accuracy using the AI-based technology. He emphasized that AI is used as part of the hospital’s coronary CT program to view patients’ coronary arteries and determine whether they have blockages or issues that would require additional care.

Training and Implementation

Ramjee mentioned that the cardiology team at Memorial is cautious and diligent when it comes to deploying new programs, ensuring that the equipment is tested before use with patients. He noted, “It’s not just about the scanner. Most of the magic in our success comes down to the team, and so we’re spending a couple of weeks training our staff members, ensuring our protocols are ideal and optimized.”

Community Impact

Jennifer Nicely, president of the CHI Memorial Foundation, highlighted that the implementation of the cardiac CT scanner will raise the bar on cardiology efforts in and around Chattanooga. She noted that the CT machine is the only one of its type in the region, and the community is fortunate for the donations that made acquiring the machine possible.

Conclusion

Kevin Hopkins, the Memorial market vice president of the cardiovascular service line, stated that the new technology is a game-changer for the local community, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. He concluded, “We are proud to be the first in our community to offer this life-saving technology.”

Contact Leah Hunter at [email protected] or 423-757-6710.

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