What does CTCA mean in MEDICAL

How it Works

CTCA works by using a CT scanner to obtain multiple images of the heart from different angles, allowing physicians to get an accurate 3D view of the coronary arteries. The X-ray beam created by the CT machine then passes through a patient's body, enabling doctors to detect any narrowing or blockages in his/her coronary arteries. In addition, these images give insight into other aspects of cardiovascular health such as plaque deposits, calcium buildup in arteries, and signs of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. By comparing CTCA results with those obtained through traditional angiography, medical professionals are able to accurately identify potential problems and develop treatment plans accordingly.

Benefits

CTCA is beneficial in that it presents physicians with improved accuracy when it comes to diagnosing and evaluating patients at risk for coronary artery disease or any other cardiovascular problems they may have. Further, while traditional angiography often requires lengthy procedures under general anesthesia or intravenous medicines., CTCA can be done much quicker — usually in less than 10 minutes — and without any additional risk factors associated with invasive techniques such as exposure to radiation or contrast agents. Additionally, since there is no need for intubation during CTCA procedures, recovery time for patients is significantly reduced compared to traditional angiography.