Normal MIBI Scan
Infarction of the Inferior Wall
Myocardial Viability Scan
Gated Heart Pool Scan
There are 3 commonly-performed types of cardiac scans:
• Myocardial Perfusion Scans (Sestamibi 'MIBI' or Thallium Scans)
• Myocardial Viability Scans
• Gated Heart Pool Scans
All cardiac scans are bulk-billed.
Myocardial Perfusion Scans are commonly performed in patients with chest discomfort and suspected heart disease, to assess blockages within coronary vessels or stents, and as a check-up prior to major operations. Technetium-99m sestamibi (also known as 'MIBI') and Thallium-201 are commonly used as the imaging agents. These tracers are distributed within coronary arteries and taken up by the heart muscle. The scan is able to detect coronary artery disease as well as scarring from previous heart attacks.
This scan requires special preparation. Caffeine-containing products should be avoided for 24 hours before the scan: coffee (including decaffeinated), tea (including herbal and green teas), cola, chocolates, and sports and energy drinks. Certain medications may need to be withheld.
The test procedure consists of four parts, and takes 2 hours to complete:
• A small intravenous injection of tracer is given.
• There is a short wait followed by a scan of the heart.
• A gentle stress test will be performed, using either treadmill exercise or a stress medication.
• A final scan of the heart is performed.
Myocardial Viability Scans are commonly performed in patients with heart failure or previous heart attacks. They are used to determine if these patients may benefit from angioplasty or bypass surgery to improve blood flow to poorly-functioning parts of the heart.
Gated Heart Pool Scans are used to accurately assess how well the heart is pumping. They are commonly performed in patients who have heart failure, or during chemotherapy to detect early complications involving the heart.