New technology that allows cardiologists to more accurately assess artery blockages by providing 3D images of the heart’s arteries has been developed by scientists from University of Colorado, US.
The technology, which is still in the testing phase, may provide more information on the width and length of artery blockages, while exposing patients to less dye and radiation.
The new software uses existing X-ray systems but decreases patients’ exposure to radiation and contrast dye by reducing the need for multiple X-rays.
The technology uses rotational angiography to generate realistic 3D images of the patient’s arteries by rapidly rotating a detector around the patient while injecting contrast dye.
The University of Colorado’s interventional cardiology director John D Carroll said that this is the first in-human use.
“Coronary interventions may be improved by having a realistic 3D image of the coronary artery tree,” Carroll said.
