New Scanning Technology Responsible for Paradigm Shift in Cardiac Treatment

A groundbreaking clinical trial utilizing high-resolution scanning technology to detect heart disease has emerged as a potential game-changer in cardiac treatment. Conducted by a team at the University of Galway, the trial utilized CT-scan imagery to precisely identify coronary artery disease and blockages, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional angiography.

Traditionally, angiographs involve invasive procedures such as puncturing blood vessels, inserting cables, and using dyes. However, the team at the University's CORRIB Core Lab analyzed CT-scan images from patients in trial hospitals in the US and Europe, demonstrating that the new approach is highly feasible and offers good diagnostic accuracy without the need for invasive procedures.

Published in the European Heart Journal, the research highlighted that the approach was 99.1% feasible. The trial, sponsored by the University of Galway and funded by GE Healthcare and HeartFlow, showcased the potential of cardiac CT scanning to simplify planning for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery.

Professor Patrick W Serruys, the trial chairman and established professor of interventional medicine and innovation at the University of Galway, emphasized the significance of the results. He noted that the trial positions the University of Galway at the forefront of cardiovascular diagnosis, planning, and treatment of coronary artery disease.

The study involved 114 patients with severe blockages in multiple vessels, and it demonstrated the potential for a monumental shift in healthcare. Professor Serruys suggested that interventional cardiologists could consider relying solely on CT scans for procedural planning, paving the way for enhanced patient workflows and dedicated interventional suites.

Moving forward, a randomized trial involving over 2,500 patients in 80 hospitals across Europe is planned. Dr. Yoshi Onuma, professor of interventional cardiology at the University of Galway and medical director of CORRIB Research Centre, highlighted the benefits of the new approach, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the traditional healthcare approach for the benefit of patients.