Cardiac CT Imaging

Quick Facts

Terminology: Cardiac CT with Cleerly and HeartFlow FFR-CT Analysis

Approx procedure time: 10–15 minutes; Results in 1-3 days

Scheduling time: 1–5 days

Best for: Noninvasive evaluation of coronary artery disease, plaque assessment and blood flow analysis

Advanced Non-Invasive Heart Health Insights with Cleerly and HeartFlow

At The Imaging Center, we are proud to offer advanced cardiac CT imaging services that go beyond traditional scans. By combining state-of-the-art imaging technology with powerful artificial intelligence, we can provide a clear, detailed understanding of your heart health, without the need for invasive procedures.

We utilize two cutting-edge analysis tools, including Cleerly and HeartFlow FFR-CT, to assess coronary artery disease with greater precision and speed. Whether you’re looking to understand your risk, monitor heart health, or avoid unnecessary interventions, our non-invasive cardiac CT imaging provides the answers you need.

Why Choose Cardiac CT at The Imaging Center?

• Fast, non-invasive procedure using advanced CT technology
• Detailed 3D visualization of coronary arteries and plaque
• AI-powered analysis for precise risk assessment
• No recovery time needed; you can resume normal activities immediately
• Minimal radiation exposure with optimized scanning protocols
• Fellowship-trained radiologists interpret every scan

What Is Cardiac CT Imaging?

Cardiac CT (computed tomography) imaging provides highly detailed pictures of your heart and coronary arteries. By using contrast material and advanced scanning techniques, we can detect narrowing, plaque buildup, and other signs of coronary artery disease (CAD).

At The Imaging Center, we elevate standard cardiac CT scans with two advanced post-processing tools:

Cleerly Analysis

Cleerly uses artificial intelligence to analyze plaque in the arteries, determining the type (soft, fibrous, or calcified), amount, and location. This helps assess your future heart disease risk and guides treatment planning tailored to your health.

HeartFlow FFR-CT Analysis

HeartFlow uses your CT scan to simulate blood flow through your coronary arteries. This AI-powered analysis helps determine whether any narrowing is limiting blood flow and whether treatment is needed, without an invasive angiogram.

What to Expect

Before Your Scan

Your physician will provide a referral for a cardiac CT scan. You may be asked to avoid caffeine or certain medications prior to your appointment. In some cases, a beta blocker is administered to slow your heart rate for clearer images. Wear metal-free, comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry.

During Your Scan

The CT scan is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. You’ll lie on a padded table as a contrast dye is administered through an IV to enhance visibility of your coronary arteries. The scan typically takes 10–30 minutes, depending on your heart rate and specific imaging needs.

We use the GE Optima 660 128-slice scanner, known for its precision and reduced radiation dose, which is ideal for cardiac imaging.

After Your Scan

There is no recovery time. You may resume normal activity immediately. Based on your referring provider’s request, your scan data will be analyzed by either:

• Cleerly, which provides detailed plaque mapping within 1–2 days
• HeartFlow, which returns blood flow modeling results within 48–72 hours

Understanding the Risks

Cardiac CT scans are generally low-risk. However, with any scan using contrast, potential risks include:

• Mild allergic reactions to contrast dye
• Kidney strain (especially if you have existing kidney conditions)
• Minimal radiation exposure
• Rare false positives/negatives in results

Our team follows strict protocols to ensure your safety and comfort.

Featured Video

Check out our featured videos to learn more from our experienced team.

More Videos

Your Results

You and your physician will receive a comprehensive report that may include:

• From Cleerly: A 3D map of coronary arteries showing the type and amount of plaque
• From HeartFlow: A color-coded model highlighting any areas of reduced blood flow

These insights help determine if you need medical management, lifestyle changes, or more advanced cardiac care.

Request a Consultation

If you’re concerned about your heart health, ask your doctor for a referral to The Imaging Center for a cardiac CT scan. Our team will guide you through every step and coordinate any advanced Cleerly or HeartFlow analysis as needed.

We’re proud to bring the latest cardiac imaging technologies to West Michigan, giving you and your provider clear, personalized insights to protect your heart.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule your cardiac CT scan.