Dr. Mohamad Mansour
Director of Non-Invasive Cardiology Department at Clemenceau Medical Center, Beirut
CMC Beirut Unveils Advanced Innovations in Cardiac Imaging
Clemenceau Medical Center, Beirut (CMC) continues to prioritize top-tier healthcare for its patients by equipping its Cardiac Imaging Department with cutting-edge technology. These advancements enable precise and prompt diagnosis of heart diseases, assisting physicians in making timely treatment decisions. This commitment solidifies Clemenceau Medical Center’s leadership in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions in Lebanon and the wider region. In an exclusive interview with “Hospitals magazine, Dr. Mohamad Mansour, Director of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Department at Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut, discussed the latest advancements in cardiac imaging and the center’s role as a premier destination for cardiovascular care.
Could you please provide more details on the latest developments in Cardiac CT scanning at Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut?
Our Cardiac Imaging Department has recently undergone significant upgrades, most notably with the acquisition of the Revolution APEX Cardiac CT scan. This state-of-the-art device is among the most advanced globally, and we are proud to be the first facility in the Middle East to offer this technology to our patients.
One of the key benefits of this new technology is the substantial reduction in radiation exposure, making the imaging process safer, particularly for patients who require frequent scans. Additionally, advanced technology allows us to use less contrast material to achieve high-quality images, which is especially beneficial for patients with kidney conditions.
The Revolution APEX also features Single Beat Acquisition technology, enabling us to capture high-quality images even when a patient’s heart rate is elevated. This is a significant improvement over older devices, which required us to wait until the patient’s heart rate was between 50 and 60 beats per minute to perform a CT scan. The advancements in speed and sensitivity mean that we can now obtain clear and sharp images even with a faster heart rate.
Moreover, we are now offering advanced FFR CT (Fractional Flow Reserve CT) technology, the first of its kind in Lebanon and the Middle East. This non-invasive technique allows us to accurately assess blood flow in the coronary arteries, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery diseases and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
In summary, these technological advancements allow us to provide more accurate and precise imaging while reducing the risks associated with traditional scans. This enables us to offer our patients safer diagnostic services without resorting to invasive procedures unless necessary.
What role does artificial intelligence play in cardiac CT scanning?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiac CT scanning has significantly enhanced diagnostic efficiency. AI-powered algorithms enable the rapid and accurate processing of images, allowing us to examine more patients in a shorter amount of time while still delivering precise results.
AI also automates the analysis of images, identifying coronary arteries and other critical structures, which saves physicians a considerable amount of time and effort. This allows doctors to focus on more complex aspects of diagnosis. However, the physician’s role remains essential in the diagnostic process, as they review the AI-generated results and provide the final diagnosis.
What diseases can be diagnosed using this advanced technology?
This cutting-edge imaging technology allows us to diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels, and surrounding organs. It is particularly effective in detecting coronary artery blockages, assessing heart muscle and valve stucture, examining the aorta and pulmonary arteries, and evaluating the pericardium. Additionally, we can use it to investigate nearby organs, such as the lungs and larynx.
The Cardiac MRI technology in the Radiology Department at CMC has been upgraded. Can you tell us more about this?
Cardiac MRI is indeed a valuable addition to our imaging capabilities, and it has seen significant improvements with the integration of AIR™ Recon DL technology into our 3 Tesla MRI machine. This upgrade has greatly enhanced image quality, reduced scanning time, and enabled us to use advanced techniques like T1-T2 mapping.
These advancements allow for accurate diagnosis of heart muscle diseases, such as fibrosis and myocardial edema. The new CVI42 software, supported by AI, streamlines the analysis process and improves the accuracy of our diagnostic results.
Echocardiography is a critical tool in cardiology clinics. What advancements have been made in this area?
We are excited to offer the latest in 3D echocardiography with the VIVID E95 Ultra Edition. This advanced device provides high-resolution 3D images, allowing for incredibly precise diagnoses of heart conditions.
Echocardiography is an essential diagnostic tool in cardiology, as it provides detailed images of the heart, valves, and arteries. This information is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions and determining the appropriate treatment, whether that involves medical management or surgical intervention.
With this technology, Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut can provide diagnostic services that are on par with those offered at leading centers worldwide.
How is the appropriate type of medical imaging determined for a patient?
The choice of imaging technique depends on the specific heart condition being investigated. Generally, cardiac MRI is used to study heart function and diagnose diseases affecting the heart muscle, valves, and pericardium, including congenital defects. On the other hand, cardiac CT is primarily used to assess the anatomy of the heart and coronary arteries, which are the vessels supplying the heart muscle. This technology also plays a significant role in providing precise measurements for transcatheter valve replacement procedures.
