New way to image coronary veins

AACHEN, Germany, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- German researchers say a new procedure for the imaging of coronary veins proves to be less invasive and has fewer complications.

In addition, the new procedure improves the quality of diagnosis and treatment "for individuals undergoing surgical procedures on the heart and particularly the coronary veins," say researchers at the Aachen University Hospital in Germany.

The study compared ECG-gated cardiac modified discrete cosine transform, or MDCT, angiography to conventional angiography.

"MDCT angiography is a reliable alternative to invasive conventional coronary angiography, and should be used to evaluate the coronary veins prior to pacemaker lead placement, and other procedures," said lead author Dr. Georg Muhlenbruch. "MDCT angiography improves the quality of diagnosis and treatment for the patient by providing better planning of the procedure prior to surgery, such as pacemaker placement."

Because the coronary veins are variable in number, caliber and course, detailed knowledge of the patient's individual anatomy is essential for optimum planning for the intended procedure, said Muhlenbruch.

The findings are published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.