The Role Of Noninvasive 320-Row Multidetector Computer Tomography

A Pilot Study: The Role Of Noninvasive 320-Row Multidetector Computer Tomography Coronary Angiogram In Predicting Perioperative Cardiac Complications In Patients Referred For Noncardiac Surgery

Computer tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) has emerged as a noninvasive alternative to assessing coronary artery luminal disease. Although the use of noninvasive CTCA for the detection of coronary artery disease is on the rise, the current technology of the 64-row multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) is subjected to multiple patient artifacts that can affect image quality.To eliminate these patient related artifacts a more advanced 320-row MDCT was recently developed. The investigators therefore propose that the newly developed 320-MDCT can provide an accurate noninvasive assessment of the severity of coronary artery luminal stenosis as an alternative to an invasive coronary angiogram.

This pilot study consisting of a prospective non-randomized observational trial where a team of surgeon, anesthesiologist, and evaluator are blinded to CTCA results. We hypothesize that the preoperative use of noninvasive computer tomography, with the 320-row MDCT, to visualize the degree of coronary artery stenosis can lead to improved clinical prediction of perioperative cardiac complications.

The 320-row MDCT is based on the 64-row technology with the significant addition of a larger detector capable of scanning the heart within 1 sec or a cardiac cycle, thereby, eliminating patient-related artifacts and may produce higher image quality.13, 14 The scanning time of 5 seconds with the 320-row MDCT is significantly reduced compared to 8-10 seconds for the 64-row MDCT

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female, 18 years and older

• Able to understand and willing to sign the Informed Consent Form

• Undergoing vascular surgery or intermediate risk surgery (these include intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, carotid endarterectomy , head and neck, orthopedics or prostate) AND

• One or more of the following clinical predictors according to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index:

  1. history of ischemic heart disease (CABG, MI, Stent, positive stress test, Q-waves on ECG)

  2. Diabetes (requiring insulin)

  3. history of congestive heart failure (NYHA I- II)

  4. history of cerebrovascular disease, any of :

     1. history of carotid stenosis
     2. history of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (stroke or TIA)

  5. Aortic or peripheral vascular disease OR

  6. Risk of CAD with 3 or more of the following

     1. Age ≥ 70 years

     2. Hypertension (medicated)

     3. Cholesterol (medicated)

     4. Diabetes (medicated-oral hypoglycemic)

     5. Family history of coronary artery disease

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        Exclusion Criteria:

        1. Lack of consent for participation
        2. Pregnancy
        3. History of an allergic response to iodinated contrast medium
        4. History of an allergic response, or other contraindication to beta blockers
        5. eGFR < 45 mL/min
        6. Hemodynamically unstable/compromised
        7. Urgent surgery
        8. Atrial fibrillation > 80 bpm
        9. Uncontrolled tachyarrhythmia
        10. Atrioventricular block (second and third degree)
        11. Moderate to severe aortic stenosis
        12. Not able to hold breath for 5 - 10 seconds
        13. History of multiple myeloma or organ transplant
        14. Severe pulmonary disease including COPD, PAH, asthma
        15. Congestive heart failure presented as NYHA functional class III - IV
        16. Severe anemia
        17. Increased intracranial pressure
        18. Closed angle glaucoma
        19. Absolute contraindication to Nitroglycerin
        20. Presence of medical condition or history that investigator feels would be problematic
        21. Acute myocardial infarction (within 4-6 weeks) -