Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital gets first 3D heart scanner

Nov 6 2009 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

“It also reduces the radiation exposure from the X-ray from 50 minutes to less than 30.”

Cardiac arrhythmias mean the heart does not beat regularly and as a result does not function properly.

Sufferers can have difficulty with strenuous activities like exercise, and, if the condition isn’t treated, it can contribute to a premature death.

AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, and there is a one in four chance those over 40 will develop it at some point.

During ablation therapy, catheters, or small tubes, are sent into the blood stream through the groin, and travel up to the heart.

A radio frequency is then sent through the heart to correct the irregular beat.

The 3D image technology enables doctors to see these catheters more clearly and accurately. A spokeswoman for the hospital said: “Our investment in this new system reinforces our commitment to helping the growing numbers of arrhythmia patients get fast, effective treatment.”