Pune emerges go-to destination for heart screening

Pune: When professor Ahmed (62), an academic from Kashmir, began experiencing chest discomfort, he saw multiple doctors in his hometown, but in vain. He was then advised to undergo angiography, an invasive test to check the health of blood vessels. That's when he learned about Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune and its new dual-source cardiac CT scan machine (Somatom Force VB 30), the only one in India. Without hesitation, he undertook the long journey to Pune, in search of definitive answers."It was a long journey, but I wanted to know once and for all what was happening with me," he said.In a couple of seconds, the new cardiac CT scan produced a detailed, non-invasive image of his heart, something which was previously only achievable through angiography. "The picture quality was unbelievable... And the entire process of cardiac CT scan took less than 10 minutes, during which I didn't feel a thing," Ahmed said.Ruby Hall Clinic's chief cardiologist Dr Purvez Grant said, "This new technology has truly revolutionised cardiac imaging and diagnostics. It gives us clear images of the heart in real time, even at higher heart rates, which was impossible before."Professor Ahmed isn't alone in making such a trip to Ruby Hall. Every day, five patients from Mumbai arrive at the clinic, drawn by the promise of this cutting-edge cardiac CT scan technology. "In just three weeks of its installation, the machine has become so popular that we are already scanning 60-70 patients a day," Ruby Hall Clinic's chief radiologist Dr Pranav Mahadeokar said.He said, "People are coming not just from Mumbai, but from places like Assam, Rajasthan, Gujarat and other states. Even international tourists visiting India, who happen to know of this facility, also come here to get the cardiac scan done."Unlike older CT scan machines, which require patients to have a heart rate below 70 beats per minute for an accurate image, this dual-source and -energy machine can scan patients with heart rates as high as 140. "This means no more waiting for hours or taking medication like beta blockers to lower heart rates. It uses up to 40 % lesser dye and is most suitable for patients with kidney problems ," Dr Mahadeokar said.For patients like Meera (48), a resident of Mumbai who travels to Pune for the scan, the new technology is a blessing. Meera had undergone angioplasty two years ago and needed regular follow-ups to ensure her stents were working properly. "With the new machine, I can see my heart and the stents clearly. Even my doctor can monitor if they are functioning as they should. It gives me immense peace of mind and confidence," she said.The cardiac CT scan not only offers quick and non-invasive diagnostics, but it is also a powerful tool for preventive healthcare. "If the scan shows no blockages, patients don't have to undergo catheter angiography," Dr Grant said, adding, "And for those detected with narrowing arteries, we can determine the next steps, like angioplasty, with confidence." Key Benefits: Dual Sourc CT ScanThe new machine has up to 50% lower radiation doseEnable scan without any breath hold or sedationEnable scan for patients with high heart rate without the use of beta-blockersIt is helpful for patients with renal insufficiencies (compromised kidney function) as it requires reduced contrast dosage(Source: Radiology Department, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune)