CT Scans
EchoMed now offers CT scans as part of our cardiac diagnostics service. We have partnered with Virtual Cath Lab (Surrey) to provide our patients with a full range of cardiac CT scans, including calcium scoring, CT angiography, CT FFR (Heartflow) and CaRI Heart Analysis. These revolutionary tools not only look for the presence and severity of any coronary artery disease but can also help predict your future risk of heart attack.
What does a CT scan show?
A CT scan is a procedure that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body and is typically used to diagnose conditions or check how well certain treatments are working. There are multiple reasons why you could be referred to undergo a cardiac CT scan, including the following:
Evaluation of Chest Pain: A CT coronary angiogram is often used to investigate the cause of unexplained chest pain, helping to determine if the pain is related to coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease: This test provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, allowing doctors to detect blockages or narrowing that could lead to a heart attack, enabling us to assess the severity of coronary artery disease.
Pre-Surgical Planning: Before certain heart surgeries or procedures, a CT coronary angiogram can provide critical information about the coronary arteries, helping to plan the surgery and reduce the risk of complications.
Monitoring Stent or Bypass Grafts: For patients who have undergone previous coronary interventions like stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery, a CT coronary angiogram can be used to monitor the condition of stents or grafts and ensure they remain open and functional.
Contact our expert Team today for more information about undergoing a CT scan; our Doctors are happy to provide rapid triage and referral upon request.
How the CT scan procedure works
The CT scan procedure uses X-rays and computers to create detailed images of the inside of your body, incorporating acquisitions from multiple angles to create a 3D image.
When attending our partner clinic for a cardiac CT scan, you can expect:
Preparation and Positioning: Before the scan, you’ll be asked to lie down on a motorised table that slides into the CT scanner. Electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart’s activity, ensuring clear images are captured at the right moment.
Breath-Holding: During the scan, you’ll be instructed to hold your breath for short periods (usually around 5-10 seconds), which minimises movement and helps obtain clearer images of your heart.
Contrast Dye Injection: In many cases, a contrast dye is injected into a vein, typically in your arm, to enhance the visibility of your coronary arteries. This will require you to have an intravenous cannula inserted. You might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth when the dye is injected.
Noise and Vibration: The CT machine makes a soft whirring or clicking noise as it rotates around your body, taking images from various angles. The procedure itself is generally painless, though you may feel the vibration of the machine.
Quick and Non-Invasive: The entire process is usually quick, taking about 10-15 minutes, with the actual scanning time lasting only a few seconds. It’s non-invasive, and you can typically resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
CT scans are painless, and you will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure. While patients are undergoing the scan, a CT Radiographer sits in a separate room, with the ability to speak to and hear you, allowing them to give instructions and reassurance as necessary.
How long do CT scan results take?
CT scan results typically take 72 hours to deliver, with images requiring analysis by a trained Cardiologist or Radiologist. Once your results are ready, our Team will ensure you completely understand your data and provide any support or advice you require.
The EchoMed Team will assist in ensuring you are clear on the next steps and can provide treatment, follow-up, or onward referral, depending on your results.
CT scans: the referral process
As CT scans involve receiving a small dose of radiation and an injection of contrast dye, you must be evaluated by a Doctor before being referred for the test. At Echomed, our Doctors are happy to offer both virtual (telephone) or in-person consultations to discuss your symptoms and the most suitable diagnostic tests for your situation, with direct referral for a cardiac CT scan if appropriate. Through our partner clinic at VCL Surrey, we aim to offer you a scan within one week of your enquiry.
Contact us today to enquire about CT scan availability, or book your Doctor’s appointment to discuss your eligibility directly online.
Want to book an appointment? Book now
Why choose EchoMed?
At EchoMed, we understand that heart screening can be an anxious experience for many people, which is why we have focussed on delivering a relaxed and understanding approach. All of our tests are non-invasive and are carried out by highly trained, professional, and experienced Doctors who are dedicated to ensuring our patients are as comfortable as possible.
With our state-of-the-art equipment, EchoMed are committed to providing patients with an industry-leading experience.
Book an appointment
In just a few clicks, you can arrange an appointment that suits you. Book with EchoMed today. Whether you are concerned about unexplained symptoms, or simply wish to exclude any problems which may cause trouble later in life, our scans can help.
How To Find Us
Our Surrey Hills (Farnham) clinic is conveniently located just off the A31. We are situated inside the Carlton Yard Clinic (postcode: GU9 7RD), which can be accessed on foot off the southwest corner of Farnham Central Car Park.
From the car park, you will see a selection of signs attached to the exterior wall of the Carlton Yard Clinic (including ‘EchoMed: The Cardiac Ultrasound Clinic’). Walk around the left-hand side of this building, turn right in front of The Silver Sea restaurant, and continue through an archway with a metal gate. This gate is usually open – if not, please buzz the intercom and our team will assist you. The wooden door to the Carlton Yard Clinic is through this arch and immediately on the right.
Our South Coast (Emsworth) clinic is within minutes of the A27. We are situated on the ground floor of the Hampshire Health building (97 Havant Road, postcode: PO10 7LF), which offers free parking to the rear. On arrival, our receptionists will show you to the waiting area.
If you have any issues finding either of our clinics, please call 0333 444 3246 for assistance.
EchoMed: SOUTH COAST CLINIC
Hampshire Health
97 Havant Road, Emsworth
PO10 7LF
EchoMed: SURREY HILLS CLINIC
The Carlton Yard Clinic, Unit 1, Carlton Yd,
Victoria Rd, Farnham
GU9 7RD
0333 444 3246
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