PET Scan

Posted by Cindy on June 18, 1999 at 09:26:29
What is the reason for doing a Pet Scan prior to triple bypass surgery?  Heart cath, stress test have both been done.  Where is the nearest PET Scan machine in northern OHIO.  Thanks

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 18, 1999 at 16:03:37
Dear Cindy,
A PET scan may be done prior to surgery to determine if CABG will improve heart function.  This is called a viability test.  The Cleveland Clinic is one of the few centers in Northeastern Ohio that has a PET scanner.   You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE and ask to schedule an appointment in nuclear medicine.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Cindy on June 18, 1999 at 20:30:35
So if a PET scan is done to test for heart function, if a person has very little healthy tissue, a CABAGE is not a good choice.  What other options are there? Thanks

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 21, 1999 at 09:16:09
That's correct.  If only scar tissue is present a CABG will not help and medication is the only option.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.