CIRCLEVILLE, OH: OhioHealth Berger Hospital has launched advanced Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) technology, providing a cutting-edge tool for detecting and diagnosing heart disease in Pickaway County and the surrounding areas.
Berger Hospital is the first local healthcare provider to offer CCTA, which delivers precise, non-invasive heart assessments. This technology helps detect early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions.
CCTA uses CT imaging to produce 3D images of the coronary arteries without invasive procedures. Unlike traditional angiography, which requires catheters to be threaded through the arteries, CCTA uses a contrast dye injected through an IV, making it a safer and more comfortable procedure for patients.
“CCTA is an excellent option for evaluating the coronary arteries in patients who may be experiencing chest pain, as it allows us to directly assess the anatomy of the arteries,” said Dan Mudrick, MD, a cardiologist at Berger Hospital. “While a stress test evaluates blood flow to the heart, CCTA provides detailed images of the arteries themselves, helping us detect potential blockages or narrowing before they lead to more serious problems.”
The procedure uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) to synchronize the scan with the heart’s rhythm, capturing images when the heart is most still—between beats. The scan itself typically takes just a few minutes, although the entire process may take a couple of hours due to preparatory steps, such as administration of medication to slow the heart rate.
“In the past, patients would need to travel to other facilities for this testing or undergo different tests here at Berger,” Dr. Mudrick said. “We’re excited to now offer this test right here in Pickaway County, expanding the range of close-to-home options for our patients.”
In addition to CCTA, Berger offers a wide range of heart imaging services, including stress tests and echocardiograms, to support the diagnosis and management of heart disease.
“We’re committed to providing the highest quality heart care right here in our community,” said Casey Liddy, president of OhioHealth Berger Hospital. “The launch of CCTA is just one example of how Berger is bringing advanced technology to our patients, improving outcomes and making a positive impact on their health.”
