Have you ever tried to take a clear picture of a moving object? If you can’t slow it down or stop its motion, you know how tough this is. Physicians face this same challenge as they attempt to obtain clear pictures of the human heart using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Traditionally, MRI has been used to diagnose brain, spine and joint problems. It’s been only recently that the technology has advanced to the point where moving structures like the heart can be examined without image distortion.

“A cardiac MRI is a high- powered problem-solving tool that provides a unique and comprehensive way of looking at the heart that no other diagnostic tool can offer,” says William R. Corse, DO, medical director of MRI Services at Doylestown Hospital. “For example, a cardiac MRI can establish, with 100 percent certainty, how much of a heart muscle is damaged after a heart attack and how much is still healthy. Doctors can then use this information to determine if a patient would truly benefit from a bypass or other surgical procedure.”

Cardiac MRI can also distinguish between different types of tissue to determine if there is fat or fibrous tissue in the heart. And if a patient has unique abnormalities, such as a coronary artery in an unusual position, it’s often the only way to get clear pictures of it.

“With cardiac MRI, we can see the entire heart, every time,” says Dr. Corse.

During a cardiac MRI test, the patient lies in the MRI scanner, with electrodes attached to the chest, for anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. (Note: Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators and some types of artificial heart valves cannot receive cardiac MRIs.) During the test, the radiology team constantly instructs the patient to hold his or her breath multiple times to further minimize movement in the chest. The radiology team is experienced in customizing each test to obtain images that will be most helpful for each patient’s particular diagnosis.

“We’re proud to be one of the few hospitals in the state offering cardiac MRI, and we hope that it reassures patients to know that they need not travel far to get the very best in cardiac care.”