Cardiovascular research is one area that utilizes the capabilities of the Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR). By using the most advanced imaging equipment, medical professionals can view coronary artery diseases with both high accuracy and resolution.  

MRI is developing new ways to evaluate pulmonary function, pulmonary embolisms and the evaluation of the coronary arteries, while CT has the ability to acquire coronary artery images during a single heart beat.  Such evolving technologies reduce the need for additional medications and provide high-quality images to be collected with minimum motion.  

PET and PET/CT imaging modalities can be used to evaluate cardiac function and blood flow using oxgen-15 water and other carbon-11 containing compounds. Once image data is acquired, it can be sent to a 3D post processing work station or computer for further evaluations and modeling studies. In these cases, a 3D model of the beating heart can be simulated. Software capabilities also allow the images to be rotated or filtered to eliminate features that might obscure the anatomy.  

Through the use and combination of multiple imaging modalities, our ability to better diagnose, treat and cure cardiovascular diseases is becoming a reality.