Cardiovascular imaging at the DHZC

Imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide a view of the heart from the outside. Cardiovascular imaging is indispensable for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases and for providing tailored treatment. At the DHZC, we use state-of-the-art and powerful imaging techniques to provide our patients with the best possible care.
Cardiovascular imaging at the DHZC includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and X-ray. The interdisciplinary team consists of colleagues from the DHZC's Departments of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, and Congenital Heart Deseases – Pediatric Cardiology, as well as the Institute of Computer-assisted Cardiovascular Medicine (ICM) at the DHZC.

With their wide range of responsibilities, medical technologists for radiology (MTR) or medical assistants (MFA) with X-ray certification are among the most versatile professionals in the healthcare sector. They work across different disciplines with various specialist departments ( including paediatric cardiology, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery), have direct contact with patients, operate complex technical equipment and are as familiar with anatomy and physics as they are with radiological technology and physiology.

At the Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), a total of 19 employees take care of these demanding tasks – and thus provide insight. The team performs tomographic examinations on state-of-the-art CT, MRI and X-ray equipment, assists with minor minimally invasive procedures and accompanies fluoroscopy in the operating theatre.

The experts in the Cardiovascular Imaging Unit contribute their knowledge to a good cause: the high-resolution images of the heart they create help doctors to detect diseases at an early stage and find the right therapy for patients. With their technical expertise, the team members also support the implementation of clinical studies in close cooperation with the responsible doctors and scientists – and thus make an important contribution to medical research.

Whether computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – the DHZC imaging team only uses the latest generation of equipment, which is equipped with all available functions. This high-tech equipment makes the DHZC a global pioneer in the field of cardiovascular imaging.

With a computed tomography (CT) scanner, complex heart valve diseases or the small blood vessels of the heart can be visualised with high spatial resolution. This allows, for example, a quick assessment of whether a patient suffers from coronary heart disease. At the DHZC, we use a modern CT scanner that guarantees optimal quality – and all at a minimal radiation dose.
The heart presents real challenges for any CT scanner, because heart rate and heart rhythm are different for every patient. The high-performance scanner available at the DHZC delivers fast and precise scans regardless of heart rate and also enables the reliable identification of diseases. This allows the therapy to be tailored to the patient.

At DHZC, we have been using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for almost 30 years. It ensures that various heart diseases can be detected quickly and reliably. We work with two of the latest generation of scanners: a 1.5T and a 3T scanner. Both devices have the largest possible
Our magnetic resonance imaging scanners are faster, more energy efficient and more comfortable than older models, and they also make it possible to examine patients with implants such as pacemakers and defibrillators without any problems. The automatic examination control relieves the MTRs and creates time to focus on planning the examination. In addition, the latest features of the devices ensure an improved workflow, especially for demanding cardiac examinations.

The Digital Diagnost C 90 standing X-ray device enables comfortable examination procedures and shorter waiting times. Innovative tools ensure efficient workflows. The live camera, flexible room configurations and examination automation techniques make examinations particularly pleasant for patients. UNIQUE 2 image processing quickly generates digital images of excellent quality.
Find out more about X-rays!

Thanks to the fast, secure and seamless integration into the IT infrastructure, relevant data from the device can be accessed at any time. The antimicrobial coating and the internal cables ensure maximum hygiene standards.

We founded the CMR Academy 20 years ago to train external radiologists, cardiologists and nuclear medicine specialists in MRI diagnostics. The German Society of Cardiology (DGK) is one of the few centres in Germany to have certified the DHZC as a training centre for cardiac MRI and cardiac CT examinations up to the highest level (Level III). Philips employees also receive further training at the DHZC. In addition, training courses for external medical technical radiology (MTR) staff are held several times a year in collaboration with the Philips company to qualify them to perform cardiac MRI examinations.

If you have any technical questions about the tasks in the team, the leading MTRs Janina Dentzer and Annika Thillmann look forward to calls or e-mails:

T: +49 30 4593-1726

Bewerbung-Kard-Bildgebung@dhzc-charite.de