Baton Rouge Cardiology Center Elevates Cardiac Care with New Permanent PET/CT Suite

Baton Rouge Cardiology Center (BRCC) is pleased to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art PET/CT suite, featuring two permanent, advanced PET/CT scanners. This significant upgrade replaces the previous temporary mobile units, marking a substantial advancement in cardiac diagnostic capabilities for the region.

Located at the BRCC clinic at 5231 Brittany Drive in Baton Rouge, the new suite now offers advanced Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan imaging. This combined PET/CT (computed tomography) technology allows for sequential imaging, providing physicians with clearer, sharper images for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.  PET scans offer unique insights beyond traditional imaging.

This cutting-edge technology delivers numerous benefits, including:

• Accelerated Scan Times: Significantly reducing patient wait times and improving workflow.
• Minimized Radiation Exposure: Prioritizing patient safety with reduced radiation levels.
• Superior Sensitivity: Enhancing detection of limited blood flow, crucial for early diagnosis of conditions like coronary artery disease.
• Optimized Imaging for Diverse Patients: Providing clearer images regardless of patient body size.
• Reduced Soft Tissue Artifact: Minimizing interference for more accurate diagnostic results.
• Early Disease Detection: Enabling detection of cardiac conditions before the onset of symptoms.

A cardiac PET scan provides crucial information, including:

• Identifying areas of reduced blood flow in the heart.
• Diagnosing coronary artery disease.
• Assessing diseased heart muscle.
• Detecting cardiac infections.
• Diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis.
• Evaluating the potential benefits of cardiac procedures.
• Quantifying heart damage following a heart attack.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of cardiac treatment plans.
• Evaluating pre-procedural cardiac health.

The advanced scanners will enable cardiologists to deliver faster results and develop tailored treatment plans.

“This new PET/CT technology represents a significant advancement in our ability to provide accurate and timely diagnoses for our patients,” said Nakia A. Newsome, MD, FACC, cardiologist and medical director of PET/CT at Baton Rouge Cardiology Center. “The enhanced imaging and speed of these scanners, along with the ability to detect disease before symptoms present, will allow us to deliver even more precise and effective care.”

BRCC recently celebrated the launch of the new suite with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by physicians and staff.

To schedule an appointment at Baton Rouge Cardiology Center, please call 225-769-0933.