The latest generation of multi-detector computerized tomographic imaging (MDCT) now allows for noninvasive imaging of the heart and vascular structures previously obtainable only by invasive angiographic procedures. In the evolution toward diagnostic procedures which minimize risk, discomfort and time, the physicians of Woodlands North Houston Heart Center proudly offer the very latest generation of this technology.

One of the most exciting of these developments allows us to image not just large vascular structures, like the aorta, but virtually any artery in the body. In addition, we can view the images in three dimensions from any angle in order to make the most accurate anatomic diagnosis-an advantage over MR angiographic imaging, which loses resolution when looking out of the longitudinal or perpendicular planes. We provide this capability with the Aquilion 64 multi-detector ultrafast MDCT scanner from Toshiba, a clear leader the field in this exciting technology, and Woodlands North Houston Heart Center is pleased to be the very first facility in the State of Texas to have and offer this 64 multi-detector CT technology.

We have been performing MDCT coronary angiography since October of 2003 and have the largest volume and longest duration of experience in Texas with this unique coronary artery imaging modality. In addition, our facility is a national demonstration site for Toshiba America for this technology.

The ability to acquire 64 simultaneous slices within 4 tenths of a second finally allows the three dimensional visualization of the coronary arteries in the moving, beating heart-data previously not obtainable with a sufficient degree of resolution and detail in older and slower systems. The entire scan of the heart takes only 7 to 10 seconds, rendering information about all of the major coronary arteries as well as data about the function of the left ventricle and about structures within and around the heart.