Starting a new cardiac PET service

Barts Heart Centre is one of the leading specialist cardiovascular centres in the UK, offering contemporary, state-of-the-art treatments for the full range of heart conditions. Imaging provides an important part of the diagnostic pathway of these patients, and for many decades myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) using radioactive tracers imaged with gamma cameras has been the mainstay for the non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). MPS using gamma camera tracers provides an important element of the portfolio of investigations available to accurately diagnose this important condition, but the tracers and technology have significant limitations when compared to analogous positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. PET tests can provide improved diagnostic accuracy and patient risk stratification when compared to gamma camera MPS, with reduced radiation dose for patients and staff and improved patient experience via fewer hospital visits and shorter appointment times.

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