Specially Trained Team Offers Cardiovascular Imaging

Cleveland Clinic's Cardiovascular Imaging Lab (CVIL) is one of only a few centers in the country offering imaging of the cardiovascular system by a team of cardiologists and radiologists specifically cross-trained in cardiac imaging.

The Section of Cardiovascular Imaging includes five clinicians and two researchers, whose combined expertise is essential to the work of Cleveland Clinic’s world-renowned Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute.  For the 15th consecutive year, U.S.News & World Report’s "America's Best Hospitals" survey ranked Cleveland Clinic No. 1 in the nation for heart care in 2009.

The Cardiovascular Imaging Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.  The staff is expert in diagnosis and treatment planning for conditions that include acquired cardiac disease in adults, and congenital heart disease in children and adults.  Specific disorders that patients may present with include chest pain with exercise, leaky heart valves, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and defects in the size and shape of the heart.

The CVIL provides comprehensive CT, MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
imaging services:

Treatment Options for Early Stage Disease

The CVIL is equipped with two state-of-the-art CT scanners to expertly handle the imaging needs of your cardiovascular patients.  One scanner allows imaging of high heart rates and the other can capture 256-slice images with every heartbeat.  With each patient, CVIL staff is committed to using the procedure that is least invasive and reduces radiation exposure to the minimum.  CT equipment provides excellent image quality despite high heart rates.

CTA examinations of the thoracic and abdominal aorta are available prior to or following surgery or minimally invasive procedures.  The CT scanners in the CVIL are extremely fast, allowing for smaller contrast injections than typically used for similar CT scans performed elsewhere.

MRI/MRA: For Expert Cardiac Analysis

Cardiovascular MRI/MRA examinations encompassing the breadth of acquired and congenital heart disease are performed and expertly interpreted on a daily basis.  Cardiovascular Imaging offers two MRI scanners that are fully equipped for cardiac analysis.  The Section of Cardiovascular Imaging maintains close clinical working relationships with Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Cardiology, all within the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute.  These collaborations aid in optimizing diagnostic pathways and effecting cost-efficient care.

Patients are able to be scheduled and seen quickly; often same day appointments are offered.

To schedule a patient exam, call the Specialty Services Access Line: 216-738-5439.