Cardiac Imaging Breakthrough Developed

In the world of imaging there has been a brand new method formed for obtaining a 3-dimensional image of the heart. While this technique in of itself is helpful for a surgeon or cardiologist it also has a level of detail that allows for it to play a vital role in the treatment of patients. The increase in detail results in an image that not only gives a general structure of the heart, but also includes a mapping of scar tissue in the heart cohesively with the hearts blood vessels.

Now the technique described in the article goes into some detail, but the major factors in the imaging of the scar tissue have to deal with the fluid used for imaging. The contrast is labeled gadolinium and the reason for its effectiveness is that with two back to back MRI’s it gives different images which can be layered together to give a complete picture of the hearts situation. For the first MRI gadolinium is used to light up the heart and the blood vessels surrounding it in the same way most contrast due. While in its second use a majority of the fluid is taken out, but only hesitantly leaves the scar tissue allowing for the second image to effectively isolate the scar tissue. Once the doctor has said information it allows for him to qualify the situation appropriately and be able to attack the problem with a much greater knowledge of what treatments will be effective.

My reasoning for sharing this article is both my interest in entering the BMEN track that focuses on imaging as well as my desire to become an interventional radiologist. In either case the understanding of these techniques will be of great benefit to me. Allowing me to both get a greater feel for my desired career path as well as give me a greater understanding of it and the resources at my disposal.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100916101900.htm