EBCT costs one-fifth of an angiogram
February 1, 1998 less than 1 minute read
EBCT costs one-fifth of an angiogram
Noninvasive, painless, risk-free as well
Nearly 2 million coronary angiograms are performed each year in the United States. It is the most common diagnostic exam to assess coronary artery blockage. Advantages of the new electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scan (Imatron’s Ultrafast) over angiography are:
4 The procedure is less expensive.
The cost is one-fifth that of an angiogram. If a patient requires hospitalization for the angiogram, the cost can be 20 times that of the EBCT.
4 EBCT is noninvasive.
The procedure requires that a small amount of contrast agent be injected IV. For a coronary angiogram, a puncture is made in the groin, a catheter is threaded into the coronary arteries, and a contrast agent is injected.
4 The technology is painless.
4 EBCT is virtually risk-free.
With angiography, there is a 1% to 2% risk of complications, and some high-risk patients should be hospitalized for the procedure.
4 There is less exposure to radiation.
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