Advanced Technology
Latest in Diagnostics
The Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center is equipped with the latest, most advanced technology used in heart and vascular care, including state-of-the-art noninvasive cardiovascular imaging. With such superior technology, physicians, specialists, and nurses readily collaborate to implement innovative treatments.
The Center is the first in the region or the world to bring some of these most advanced technologies to our patients. Among our advanced diagnostic technology are:
- A computed tomography (CT) system that can take an image of the heart within one heartbeat, providing a more detailed image of the heart than ever before. Our 320-slice CT system is the first in New England and is one of two available nationwide.
- A scanner that combines imaging with data that enables physicians to better assess the degree of atherosclerosis in a patient. Our hybrid 64-detector PET/CT scanner was one of the first available in the country.
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| | “Every imaging modality provides unique and powerful information. Which one depends on the patient and what we need to know about that patient in order to make the best diagnostic decisions. We are in the unique position to be able to answer those questions and thereby provide better cardiovascular care to our patients.”- Marcelo F. Di Carli, MD Director, Cardiovascular Noninvasive Imaging Program
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- Imaging technology that enables physicians to scan the entire body in only a few seconds. Our dual-source 64-slice CT uses two X-ray tubes and two detectors rotating around the patient three times a second reducing radiation exposure by half and enabling physicians to make faster, more precise decisions.
- A state-of-the-art scanner that allows physicians to see finer details and a better view of arteries, abnormalities and scarring. Our 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner is the premier cardiovascular MRI unit in the world.
- Imaging technology that is eight times faster than the traditional single proton emission computed tomography (SPECT) and enables patients to remain in an upright and more comfortable position. Our new SPECT/CT imaging system provides faster results and added comfort patients.
ORs Integrate New Technologies and Enhance Patient Care
The Shapiro Cardiovascular Center houses 16 new state-of-the-art operating rooms – each able to accommodate next-generation minimally invasive technology, including robotic surgery, image-guided and other advanced technology. The new suites increase the total number of BWH operating rooms to 44 – along with a new and recovery area.
“The state-of-the-art hybrid procedure suites enhance our ability to provide hybrid procedures and allow patients to have all appropriate therapies in the same place on the same day.”- R. Morton Bolman, III, MD
Chief, Division of Cardiac
Surgery
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The new ORs enable us to perform advanced hybrid therapies – combinations of catheter-based, conventional, and less invasive surgical procedures – and streamline care for patients who need multiple procedures as part of their treatment. For example, percutaneous revascularization followed by same-day minimally invasive valve repair or treatment.
Brigham and Women’s Cardiovascular Center has been a leader in the development of hybrid procedures for several years. Procedures available now include:
- Combinations of catheter-based and open electrophysiology procedures;
- Stent graft treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm in combination with open aneurysm repair or with minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.
