The most modern cardiac CT of the world is inaugurated in Hungary

Origo.hu reports that a new high-performance cardiac CT was inaugurated on 2 January at Semmelweis University (SE), Budapest, where around 2,700 cardiac CT scans are made annually to diagnose heart diseases. This new CT is the most modern tool of its kind, the 1st of this kind in the world, which is specifically designed for heart-imaging tests. The new tool is going to be used for carrying out more complex tests where the old CT is not suitable. Here are the details.

The new CT device, operating at Semmelweis University, is capable of making a precise record of the coronary arteries and the heart during one complete heartbeat. The tool, installed in the Heart and Cardiovascular Center of Városmajor, makes it possible to detect diseases even in case of complicated situations or cardiac arrhythmia. This is the 1st special CT designed for cardiological use that was installed in 2 medical centres. The aim was to involve Hungarian experts into the software development process, part of the new device.

Besides the Semmelweis University, a new tool operates in Belfast as well, which opens up new prospects for detecting coronary diseases as it can scan the heart and the coronary arteries within a tenth of a second.

At the inauguration ceremony of the new CT, Dr Béla Merkely, Appointed Vice-Rector of the SE Clinic, emphasised that “the most modern CT got installed into the university within the framework of important innovative collaboration.” As he continued:

“The procurement of the CT was free of charge for us since it was given with the aim to make the largest cardiology clinic of the region collaborate with a multinational company and a spin-off company.

This is an outstanding opportunity concerning the future of the university as the three principles of the institution, which are the research, treatment and education, are now supplemented by healthcare innovation. Our future holds more and more healthcare opportunities and a big part of it is attributed to universities. However, in the recent competition, there is a need for a large medical clinic, excellent experts and the fast rate of work, too.”

The fast pace of the collaboration can be seen in the fact that the agreement was made in November, the tool arrived in December and was later installed in January. Therefore, it is a great pleasure that the new CT was inaugurated on 2 February, which is going to play a huge role in diagnosis and treatment.

Zoltán Ónodi-Szűcs, Secretary of State for Health, reported that the free innovation is exemplary and is an essential step in the life of the world-class clinic.

He further added that “besides the word-class treatment, the knowledge of Hungarian doctors and health experts is also outstanding in the country, and now with the new innovation, no other country can compete with Hungary.”

László Palkovics, Secretary for Education, pointed out that the example of the Semmelweis University sets a good model for every university because the new tool can be used in education, research and treatment, too. Furthermore, the government also supports the institution to assist in uplifting it to the level of the best leading institutions in the world. In fact, this project might be a good start for this.

Although in recent years, the chance of survival of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases in Hungary has improved a lot, it is still the disease causing the most deaths. Since around 50% of Hungarians die of heart disease, the new high-performance CT is going to be at the best place thanks to which diagnosis of complex cases would happen faster and with better resolution.

Photo: MTI

Source: origo.hu