"Super X-ray" can find heart disease

In Orlando, Florida, a groundbreaking device known as the "Super X-ray" has shown promising results in its first large-scale trial. This technology is being considered as a potential screening tool for patients experiencing symptoms of heart disease, offering a low-cost, quick, and non-invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. According to Professor Julie Miller from Johns Hopkins University, this scanner could replace up to 1.3 million cardiac catheterizations annually in the U.S., which are used to detect blockages in the arteries. However, the technology remains controversial. The debate centers on the high levels of radiation exposure associated with the "Super X-ray" scanner. Michael Lauer, from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, expressed concerns that widespread use of such devices could increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. At an American Heart Association meeting, he urged doctors not to adopt the method until there is clear evidence that it can save lives. Professor Miller defended the technology, stating that the scanner would only be used on a limited number of patients who meet specific criteria, not for general population screening. The scanner, which uses 64 detectors to produce highly detailed images, is already available in many hospitals and is often referred to as a "64-layer CT." Its image quality is so clear that it rivals what surgeons see during procedures. In a recent study, the new scanner was compared to the current gold standard for diagnosing heart disease—angiography. The results showed that the scanner delivers a radiation dose ten times higher than standard angiography. Although the technology has been in use for years, its long-term safety data remains unclear. This study, led by Professor Miller, is the first direct comparison between the two methods. Researchers tested 405 individuals suspected of having heart disease, but about 25% were excluded due to high calcium buildup in their arteries, a common issue as people age. These patients were removed to avoid potential false positives. The remaining 291 participants underwent both the new CT scan and standard angiography. The findings revealed that 83% had no blockages, while 9 out of 10 patients with blockages were correctly identified by the scanner. Professor Miller noted that the scanner could rule out heart disease in nearly half of the patients, sparing them unnecessary pain, cost, and risk. While some experts, like Dr. Timothy Gardner from the American Heart Association, find the scanner's non-invasive approach exciting, they emphasize the need for clearer guidelines on who should use it. Dr. Raymond Gibbons, a former Heart Association leader, warned against using the scanner on patients without symptoms. Despite the benefits, critics remain skeptical. Cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen argued that even if the CT scan detects issues, further confirmation via catheterization is still necessary. He also pointed out that the study may have been biased, as it focused on patients most likely to have heart disease. The scanner costs under $1,000, significantly less than the $2,500 or more for a catheterization. Future models will offer even higher resolution, with 128- or 256-slice imaging. The ongoing debate between cardiologists and radiologists highlights the complex balance between innovation and safety in medical diagnostics.

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