California-based integrated healthcare enterprise MarinHealth Medical Center is extending its cardiovascular service with a new cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offering.
Cardiac MRI is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides high-resolution images of the heart while it is functioning.
It enables a comprehensive evaluation of myocardial structure, tissue composition, and function.
Cardiac MRI supports superior diagnosis and treatment planning, regardless of heart condition or indication, said the healthcare company.
MarinHealth Medical Center CEO David Klein said: “Our commitment to staying at the forefront of advanced technology is unwavering.
“The addition of cardiac MRI showcases our dedication to ensuring our physicians and patients have access to the best possible technology available so we can continue to provide the best possible patient outcomes.
MarinHealth said that its Cardiac MRI is the gold standard for cardiac imaging and provides valuable insight into blood flow, myocardial and pericardial function, and tissue characterisation.
The advanced technology produces detailed images of the structure and function of the heart according to its surrounding tissue.
It plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of several cardiovascular conditions, and in monitoring patient progress and response to therapies over time.
The conditions include cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, infiltrative disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, cardiac masses, pericardial diseases, and other pathologies.
With the introduction of cardiac MRI, the Haynes Cardiovascular Institute is enabled to offer a complete set of cardiac imaging services.
The services include cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), transthoracic echocardiography, trans-oesophageal echocardiography, and electrocardiography (EKG),
It also includes heart monitors, myocardial perfusion imaging, electrophysiology studies, coronary angiography, intravascular coronary imaging, and peripheral vascular angiography.
MarinHealth Foundation raised $220,000 of the around $400,000 required to install the cardiac MRI technology at the MarinHealth Medical Centre.
Haynes Cardiovascular Institute cardiologist Pankaj Malhotra said: “In a short amount of time, we can assess cardiac function, learn about tissue composition, quantify blood flow, and gather vital diagnostic and prognostic data for patients.
“Others have described cardiac MRI as the closest we currently are to taking the heart of the body, examining it, and putting it back in its place.”
Arvind Nishtala said: “The heart can be viewed from any angle. More importantly, cardiac MRI is radiation-free, making it a safe and effective option for patients.”