Siemens on TV: High-Tech Heart Camera

February 2004 -- Heart disease patients have traditionally had problems getting quality images of the heart taken, impeding a patient's medical diagnosis. But with new NASA-like technology, doctors are getting clearer pictures while giving patients a more comfortable experience.

Instead of lying down on huge chairs that make it difficult to sit still for a 12-minute examination, a new device resembling a reclining chair is being used. The hi-tech chair known as the c.cam is designed in the same way NASA creates seats for astronauts -- maximizing patient comfort with a recliner while the attached gamma camera captures images of the heart. In fact, some patients even fall asleep in the chair, dramatically increasing image quality and clinical diagnosis. Doctors that work with the elderly and those with limited mobility are especially benefiting from the better image quality.

The new c.cam is also smaller and less costly than traditional models, which means patients could receive the same cardiac care from small doctors' offices that they do from large hospitals. The new technology could mean improved care for the millions of Americans diagnosed with heart disease each year.



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