Computed Tomography Scan

(Also called: Cardiac CT, CT scan, CAT scan)

Purpose

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test that lets doctors take three-dimensional (3-D) pictures of the heart and blood vessels in a very short amount of time. A CT scanner combines a type of X-ray machine with high-powered computers. The X-ray machine rotates around the body during the procedure, taking many cross-sectional pictures that the computers then reconstruct into a 3-D view.

Description

1. A nurse or doctor asks the patient to sign an informed consent form. This form is required before the procedure be performed.
2. The patient may have a substance called a contrast agent injected into a vein. A contrast agent helps blood vessels show up more clearly on the images.
3. If the patient is claustrophobic (afraid of small spaces) or uncomfortable, they may be given a sedative.
4. The patient lies down on a table that fits into the CT scanner.
5. The table slowly slides through the scanner, which takes pictures as the patient passes through the machine. The patient is asked to stay still to ensure that the pictures are clear.
6. The pictures are looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading medical images), and a report is sent to the patient’s doctor.