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LONG BRANCH, NJ, JANUARY 6, 2009—As a vascular surgeon, Dennis Mojares, M.D., identified his leg swelling as a possible heart-related issue, and made an immediate appointment to see his cardiologist Edward Choi, M.D., where he underwent a stress test to evaluate his condition. The stress test indicated ischemic changes, meaning that his heart muscle may have compromised blood flow. As a physician, Dr. Mojares new what was next, and admitted, “I was kinda scared.”
What was next, was a test to determine what was impeding the flow of blood to Dr. Mojares’ heart, and in his mind, that was cardiac catheterization—an invasive procedure that is used as both a diagnostic and interventional tool for heart conditions—but invasive none the less.
Dr. Choi discussed options with Dr. Mojares and recommended a CCTA (coronary computerized tomography angiogram) using a state-of-the-art 64-slice CT scanner. Coronary CTA captures the clearest, most precise three-dimensional images of the heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats when employing this new heart scanning technology.
“I was relieved as a patient that I had this option and didn’t need to have a catheterization,” said Dr. Mojares. “And I remembered reading that it was now available and close by at Monmouth Medical Center. I got my prescription for the exam from Dr. Choi and scheduled the CCTA with Monmouth Medical Center immediately. It was all so easy and done in less than an hour. Overall, it was it was a great experience. The staff was extremely accommodating.”
Dr. Mojares’ CCTA revealed that he had noncritical lesions, a condition that his cardiologist recommended be treated with aggressive risk factor modification with intensive medication management. “Dr. Mojares’ CTA identified lesions in his coronary arteries before they became significantly problematic,” said Dr. Choi. “More importantly, it provided the opportunity to medically intervene in treating his coronary artery disease and there prevent a future cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack.”
According to John Checton, MD, Director of Cardiology Services at Monmouth Medical Center, for years doctors have relied on finding the location of blockages in a patient’s coronary arteries through cardiac catheterization, in which a specialist inserts a probe through an arterial puncture in the groin. “The new technology uses a state-of-the-art 64-slice CT scanner, which creates a three-dimensional view of the heart and its blood vessels. The non-invasive exam is performed in the radiology department without the need for sedation or hospitalization.”
“With 64-slice CT, visualization of the coronary arteries can not only determine the severity of stenosis, but it also helps to assess the atherosclerotic plaque deposited in the vessel wall. Additionally, a 64-slice can identify the early stages of soft, or fatty and fibrous plaque formation early on in the disease process,” added Dr. Checton. “It also helps to visualize calcified plaque which occurs in more chronic coronary artery disease.”
CCTA study is best for intermediate risk patients symptoms, such as people who have strong family history or coronary disease, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and those who smoke.
For more information regarding 64-slice CCTA scanning or Monmouth’s cardiology program, call 1-888-724-7123 or visit mmc.barnabashealth.org.
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
732-557-3902
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