Laudis Chavez, a cardiac technician at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, is no stranger when it comes to knowing about the heart. She became a part of the center’s cardiac history recently, as the very first patient to undergo a revolutionary new heart scan called Myocardial Perfusion Imaging using the radioactive tracer, Flupiridaz F-18 also known as Flyrcado™. The move is yet another impressive milestone for the medical center in their commitment to provide the best possible care to all patients.
Chavez, being in the healthcare industry, understands the significance of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Consequently, she is also familiar with the obstacles that can come from traditional nuclear stress tests.
“They can be long, uncomfortable, and even intimidating for some patients,” Chavez explained. “The radioactive tracer, the exercise or medication, then lying still on a table for what feels like forever, it can be a lot.”
The new cutting-edge scan implemented offers several more advantages than traditional tests. The scan took less than an hour, a stark contrast to the several hours that traditional tests may take. On top of the speed, Flyrcado™ also provides detailed images of the heart and arteries, which allows doctors to assess the flow even in very small arteries.
“Using Flurpiridaz in Cardiac PET imaging is a real game-changer for detecting heart disease,” explained Dr. Marian Vandyck-Acquah, FACC FASNC FASE, the director of the NonInvasive Cardiology Lab and the first cardiologist to use the new scan. “The tracer significantly enhances our ability to accurately determine any flow abnormalities in great detail in many patient types when combined with Cardiac PET CT scan with less radiation ;a problem we face with other nuclear testing. Its special feature – a long half life allows it to be readily available for use enhancing high quality patient centered imaging in the community.”
Michael Horton, the vice president of Radiology for Hackensack Meridian Health, compared the switch to the new technology to upgrading from standard-definition TV to a 4K Ultra HD screen.
Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center is among some of the first hospitals to offer this cutting-edge heart scan. It ensures that the medical center is able to ensure the highest level of care possible to all patients. With the new technology, they will now be able to provide more accurate and quicker care to those in need.