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PCI-HEARTSCAN (CIMT) CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS
The procedure, known as PCI-HeartScan™,is an application of research measurements of the carotid wall thickness. Based on highly sensitive analysis process known as CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness), ultrasound images of each patient are digitized, and automatically analyzed using computerized measurement techniques. The results are compared to published nomograms of thousands of individuals allowing epidemiological risk stratification based on the patient’s age, race and sex.
Abnormal thickening is recognized as directly correlating with all the known major risk factors for heart disease including LDL cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, lack of exercise, and smoking. From population studies, it is clear that IMT is the method providing the earliest detection of heart disease. Moreover, carotid wall thickness predicts progression of disease if potentials are not modified for risks of myocardial infarction or apoplexy.
There are many risk factors which in studies have to be described as "may contribute" to cardiovascular disease. Carotid artery studies are as accurate as 9 of the most common risk factors combined. Treadmill stress testing is currently the most widely used evaluation. Unfortunately, treadmill testing misses approximately 30% of cases. A negative test is as often as not interpreted providing a false sense of security and a positive test frequently leads to additional invasive procedures. Finally, stress testing is inherently dangerous to patients at high risk and not uncommonly induces chest pain or possibly a full heart attack.
Currently, EBCT (fast CT) scans are gaining popularity among the health conscious. These exams have questionable predictive value and are expensive. They are not covered by insurance. There is significant radiation exposure, and younger people who decide to repeat this type of exam on an annual basis may accumulate sufficient RADS that there is a potential risk for radiation-induced genetic injury. The EBCT exam is effective for localizing coronary vessels that are calcified. It is not capable finding the soft and more vulnerable plaques that are most likely to rupture immediately preceding a myocardial infarction or stroke.
Magnetic resonance imaging is emerging as a useful tool in the evaluation of heart disease. However MRI is expensive, time consuming and not available to all patients. Some people cannot tolerate being in the MRI enclosure. Screening for stroke risk by flow study, using Doppler ultrasound is unreliable in the majority of stroke cases as no more than 1/3 of strokes are caused by blockages in the carotid artery. PCI-HeartScan™ is a reliable tool for assessing cardiovascular disease at its earliest stages. IMT HeartScan™ is inexpensive and provides more clinically relevant information than is currently available by other forms of evaluation.
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A typical exam takes 10-15 minutes.
PCI-HeartScan™ is being brought forth primarily through primary care physicians because they are their community’s link to preventative medicine.
Advanced Medical Management Associates
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