HeartFlow 3D heart scans

Chloe MacArthur says:

Having an angiogram involves having a catheter (a long thin tube) inserted into an artery of your heart, via an artery in your wrist or groin. X-rays and a special dye are used to check for narrowings or blockages. It has the advantage that if a blockage is found, the artery can be reopened and a stent inserted during the same procedure. But for many people who have an angiogram, no blockages are found.

CT and MRI scans are less invasive ways to get similar information, using dye to see if the blood is getting through the coronary arteries to the muscle of the heart. In the past, these scans haven’t been sensitive enough to give the same information as a conventional angiogram. But now, new technology called HeartFlow Analysis has started to be used in NHS hospitals.

What are HeartFlow scans?

HeartFlow uses CT scans to create a 3D image of the heart and uses artificial intelligence to predict the impact of any blockages of the arteries. It takes around 20 minutes. The main advantage is that it’s a much quicker method to diagnose narrowed arteries. Although any procedure comes with some risks, there are fewer risks with a CT scan than an angiogram.
If the HeartFlow scan does find blockages that need treatment, you may still need an invasive procedure, such as an angioplasty or bypass surgery, to treat them.
HeartFlow technology is being used in some hospitals around the UK, but isn’t yet widely available in all hospitals.

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