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A clinical trial in which high-resolution scanning technology was used to identify heart disease is attracting attention for its potential to revolutionize cardiac treatment.

A team from the University of Galway used CT scan images to accurately identify coronary artery disease and blockages as an alternative to traditional angiography, an invasive procedure that involves puncturing blood vessels, inserting cables and using dye. .

The team, based at the university’s CORRIB Core Lab, analyzed images taken from patients at trial hospitals in the United States and Europe.

The study was published Sunday in the European Heart Journal.

This approach was found to be 99.1% feasible and cardiac CT scans provided good diagnostic accuracy without the need for invasive diagnostic catheterization.

The trial was sponsored by the University of Galway and funded by Chicago-based GE Healthcare and Redwood City, Calif.-based HeartFlow.

Chair of the study, Professor Patrick W. Seluis, a prestigious professor of interventional medicine and innovation at the University of Galway, said: “The results of this trial have the potential to simplify planning for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery.

“This trial and the central role played by the CORRIB Core Lab have placed the University of Galway at the forefront of cardiovascular diagnosis, planning and treatment of coronary artery disease.”

The study involved 114 patients with severe blockages in multiple blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart.

Professor Serruys said the research suggested a potential “groundbreaking change in medicine”.

“Following the example of surgeons, interventional cardiologists may similarly consider avoiding traditional invasive cine angiography and instead relying solely on CT scans for surgical planning.” he said.

“This approach not only reduces the diagnostic burden on cath labs, but also paves the way for converting cath labs into dedicated ‘intervention suites’, ultimately enhancing patient workflow.”

A randomized trial involving more than 2,500 patients in 80 hospitals in Europe is currently scheduled to be conducted.

Dr Yosi Onuma, Professor of Interventional Cardiology and Medical Director of the CORRIB Research Center at the University of Galway, said the new approach had several advantages.

“Catheterization is invasive and uncomfortable for the patient,” he says.

“Medical services also have costs. Although the risks associated with this procedure are minimal, they are not completely risk-free.”

Commenting on the research’s potential, he said: “This could be a game-changing study that changes the traditional relationship between general practitioners, radiologists, cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons for the benefit of patients.” he added.