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FEATURE Continued from Page 12 a larger field of view and can better analyze stress fractures, which was not possible previously.” The Toshiba Titan features Pianissimo technology, which reduces the noise produced during a scan, enhancing patient comfort. Toshiba MRI technology also allows patients to undergo screenings without the need for contrast for patients who are unable to tolerate this component. “One of the great things about Toshiba is that the company has perfected fresh blood imaging,” says Deller. “Being able to take an angiograph without contrast is perfect for patients who are allergic to contrast or have severe kidney problems.” As imaging technology continues to advance, it is vital physicians work together with technicians to enhance the care patients receive. “Medical imaging has come a long way and will continue to improve,” says Deller. “It’s imperative that a multidisciplinary approach is taken to educate patients.” Innovative Clinical Trial for New Surgical Technique In the past, when patients presented with symptoms of cardiovascular disease, a traditional surgical procedure such as open-heart surgery was necessary. However, this type of procedure is not appropriate for all patients. “Typically patients who present symp- toms of heart failure are also dealing with comorbid conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, or may be older,” says Brijeshwar Maini, M.D., Chair of the Structural Heart Program at PinnacleHealth Cardiovascular Institute. “These patients would not be able to undergo an open procedure, meaning their chances of dying are increased while quality of life continues to decrease.” Currently, 40 sites across the nation, including PinnacleHealth, are participat- ing in a clinical trial for the Medtronic CoreValve system. The device first became commercialized in Italy in 2007 and had a success rate of 98%, along with just a 2.1% rate of an adverse event occurring after the procedure. Since 2007, the transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been used on 12,000 patients in 42 countries. The pivotal U.S. clinical trial will further research if this minimally inva- sive procedure is appropriate for high-risk patients coping with heart failure and would eliminate the need to undergo an open procedure. Bountiful Benefi ts The goal of open-heart surgery is to replace the blocked aortic heart valve; the heart is opened up, the old valve is removed and a new valve is sewn in its place. The Medtronic CoreValve system utilizes a valve composed of alloy and titanium that is delivered to the heart via a catheter run from the groin to the heart. The catheter also includes a balloon that compresses the old valve while implant- ing the new, artifi cial valve. “This minimally invasive procedure has the potential to change how we practice cardiovascular medicine in the near future and for generations to come,” says Dr. Maini. “For high-risk patients, this procedure delivers the same results of traditional surgery with no cutting involved — while vastly improving quality of life.” The clinical trial is open to patients who fi t the strict criteria, including size of the valve being replaced as well as size of access reference. “It is vital that physicians and patients remember that what we consider the gold standard of care now was developed by others’ willingness to participate in clini- cal trials,” says Dr. Maini. “In that same spirit, we as physicians and clinicians should continue to explore and refi ne new medical technology as it is discovered.” To fi nd out more about the technology mentioned in this article, visit www.toshiba. com and www.medtronic.com. For more information on current clinical trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. s WWW.TOSHIBA-MEDICAL.CO.UK/CT/INDEX.ASP