Cardiovascular Imaging at the DHZC

Imaging procedures such as echocardiography, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow a view of the heart from the outside. Cardiac imaging is indispensable for recognising cardiovascular diseases at an early stage and treating them appropriately. At the DHZC, we use state-of-the-art, high-performance imaging techniques to provide our patients with the best possible care.

The cardiovascular imaging team at the DHZC, Campus Virchow-Klinikum comprises a total of 19 people. It is interdisciplinary and consists of colleagues from the

• Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Campus Virchow-Klinikum,
• Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery,
• Department of Congenital Heart Desease – Pediatric Cardiology,
• der Clinic for Radiology (des Charité Centrums CC06).

The department reports to Prof. Dr med. Volkmar Falk as Medical Director of the DHZC. He comprises the MRI department and the CT/X-ray department.

Prof. Dr Sebastian Kelle (cardiologist, senior physician at the Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the Virchow-Klinikum campus) will head the MRI department for adult patients and Prof. Dr Titus Kühne (paediatric cardiologist at the DHZC and head of the Institute for Cardiovascular Computer-Assisted Medicine ICM at the DHZC) for children.
Dr Boris Gorodetski, radiologist and specialist at the Charité Clinic for Radiology (with the paediatric radiology department), is in charge of the CT/X-ray department.
 

Whether computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - the imaging team at the DHZC 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.

A computed tomography (CT) scanner can be used to visualise complex valvular heart disease or the small vessels of the heart with high spatial resolution. This makes it possible, for example, to quickly determine whether a patient is suffering from coronary heart disease. At the DHZC, we use a modern computer tomograph that guarantees optimum quality - and all this with a minimal radiation dose.

The heart presents every CT scanner with real challenges, as the heart rate and heart rhythm are different for every patient. The high-performance device available at the DHZC delivers fast and precise scans regardless of the heart rate and also makes it possible to reliably identify diseases. This allows the patient's treatment to be customised in a targeted manner.

At the DHZC, we have been using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for almost 30 years. It ensures that various heart diseases are recognised quickly and reliably. We work with two devices of the latest generation: a 1.5T and a 3T scanner. Both devices have the largest possible tube diameter of 70 centimetres, which makes the examinations much more comfortable and pleasant for patients.

Our magnetic resonance imaging scanners are faster, more energy-efficient and more comfortable than older models and 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 frees up time to concentrate on planning the examination. The devices' latest functions also ensure an improved workflow, especially for demanding cardiac examinations.

The Digital Diagnost C 90 upright X-ray unit enables convenient 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 outstanding quality.

Find out more about X-ray!

20 years ago, we founded the CMR Academy to train external radiologists, cardiologists and nuclear medicine specialists in MRI diagnostics. The German Society of Cardiology (DGK) has certified the DHZC as a training centre for cardiac MRI and cardiac CT examinations up to the highest level (Level III) as one of only a few centres in the whole of Germany. Philips employees also receive further training at the DHZC. Several times a year, training courses are also held for external MTRs to qualify them to perform cardiac MRI examinations in collaboration with Philips.