Cardiac and vascular computed tomography (CT) scanning at the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center provides the highest quality CT scans with the lowest radiation dose possible. The recent installation of a dual-source CT scanner is evidence of the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center’s commitment to provide the people of central Minnesota with the most state-of-the-art procedures in cardiac and vascular care.

Technological advances in CT scanning, previously referred to as “CAT” scanning, have made this modality one of the most valued and widely used diagnostic tools in medicine today. More importantly, improvements have significantly advanced patient safety as well as diagnostic accuracy and versatility. This is especially true in the area of cardiac and vascular imaging.

Currently, the Heart Center’s CT program offers a full complement of cardiac and vascular procedures. These include cardiac calcium scoring, CT angiography of the coronary arteries, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. Additionally, pulmonary vein studies and a new emerging set of procedures using dual-energy imaging are also offered through this program.

CT angiography of the coronary arteries, or coronary CTA, is the most common cardiac CT procedure. During this procedure, highly detailed, 3-D images of the coronary arteries are produced. Using this procedure, cardiologists are able to evaluate the heart in a way never before possible with a non-invasive test. Ask your doctor if you might benefit from a coronary CTA scan.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions about coronary CTA or any other cardiac or vascular CT procedure, please call the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center at (320) 656-7020.