Progress in CT imaging for the cardiac surgeon

The aim of this article is to critically assess the role of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. In the beginning, a short overview is given about technical aspects such as scan protocols, optimal image reconstruction, image reformation techniques, data evaluation, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Seminars in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 2004, Vol.16 (3), p.242-248
Main Authors: Herzog, Christopher, Wimmer-Greinecker, Gerhard, Schwarz, Wolfram, Dogan, Selami, Moritz, Anton, Fichtlscherer, Stephan, Vogl, Thomas J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
16-row CT
cardiac-CT
cardiosurgery
Coronary Artery Bypass - trends
CT coronary angiography
Heart Diseases - diagnostic imaging
Heart Diseases - surgery
Heart Transplantation - trends
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - trends
multidetector-row CT
Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging
Postoperative Complications - etiology
Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
Thoracic Surgery - trends
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - trends
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Summary:The aim of this article is to critically assess the role of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. In the beginning, a short overview is given about technical aspects such as scan protocols, optimal image reconstruction, image reformation techniques, data evaluation, and data presentation. This is followed by sections about possible indications for cardiothoracic surgery and future prospects for this technology. For the cardiac surgeon, the main benefit of MDCT lies in the combination of large scan-volume coverage, high spatial resolution, proper identification of calcifications, and the simultaneous registration of other thoracic structures. Preoperative applications may include the assessment of cardiac valves, noninvasive evaluation of large thoracic vessels, staging of cardiac tumors, and planning of minimally invasive surgical procedures. After surgery, MDCT examinations particularly facilitate an early identification of severe postoperative complications. MDCT may also be used to assess coronary artery bypass graft patency and to identify transplant-related complications in heart transplant recipients at an early stage. New technological developments such as 64-row MDCT or flat panel computed tomography will further increase the field of possible indications.
ISSN:1043-0679
1532-9488
DOI:10.1053/j.semtcvs.2004.08.015