What is HeartCam?

HeartCam is a safe, simple FDA-approved imaging system that uses Imatron’s proprietary EBCT technology. It performs a diagnostic scan of the heart that can detect early signs of heart disease long before the patient experiences a single symptom. HeartCam uncovers the presence of coronary calcium, a proven "clinical marker" for coronary artery disease and utilizes a calcium scoring system to determine the level of risk.

What happens during the HeartCam procedure?

The simplest comparison is to an EKG. The patient remains clothed removing only metal items that might interfere with the HeartCam (such as bra, belt, metal buttons). A technologist attaches three EKG leads to the chest to establish a heart rate. There’s no prep, no injected dye, no medication and no discomfort. While lying stationary on a table, the patient holds his breath while a powerful electron beam is generated and then focused onto one of four tungsten target rings positioned beneath the patient. Each 210 degree sweep of the electron beam produces a continuous 30 degree fan beam of x-rays that pass through the patient to a stationary array of detectors which generates cross-sectional images. It takes just a few breathholds to complete the test. Start to finish this non-invasive procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.

What is EBCT?

The acronym stands for Electron Beam Computed Tomography. Two of those words Computed Tomography (CT, the CAT scan) are familiar. The Electron Beam is what has turned this technology into such a fantastic diagnostic tool for cardiac risk assessment. It’s ultra-fast – more than 20 times faster than the traditional CT – and the results are much more accurate and useful.

How does the EBT scan differ from a traditional CT scan?

HeartCam takes images of the heart in such rapid succession -- generally about 40-50 in one 25-second breathhold, that it captures 3-dimensional images of the heart while it is beating. EBT can detect the presence of calcium in the arteries. Until now, there has been no reliable test to visualize blocked arteries, the main cause of coronary heart disease. Standard diagnostic tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and traditional CT scans do no detect the presence of calcium in the arteries. Start to finish this non-invasive procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.

What do the test results show?

The HeartCam medical team verifies all results and issues a report within 24 hours of the procedure. The consulting physician determines the presence and extent of early coronary artery disease, if any, and uses calcium quantification software to calculate the total amount of coronary artery calcification. The physician will discuss the implications with you. You may simply be warned of risk factors and educated about how to lessen your risk. If the HeartCam reveals a significant risk, you will be referred to your physician or to a cardiologist for further evaluation.