Name of the Procedure:

Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging (Gated Equilibrium); Multiple Studies

• Common Names: Gated Blood Pool Scan, MUGA Scan (Multi-Gated Acquisition Scan)
• Technical Terms: Wall Motion Study, Ejection Fraction Measurement

Summary

Cardiac blood pool imaging is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the function of the heart's ventricles by capturing images of the blood flow through the heart. It can be done at rest and during stress (exercise or pharmacologically induced stress). This helps assess the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Purpose

• Addresses: Heart function, particularly the ventricles' ability to pump blood.
• Goals/Outcomes: Determine ejection fraction and wall motion, diagnose or monitor heart disease, evaluate effectiveness of treatments.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Shortness of breath, fatigue, angina (chest pain), history of heart attack, unexplained fluid retention.
• Patient Criteria: Suspected or diagnosed heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy.

Preparation

• Follow fasting instructions, often requiring the patient to not eat or drink for a few hours before the test.
• Adjust medication as directed by a physician, particularly those affecting heart function.
• Conduct preliminary diagnostic tests such as ECG (Electrocardiogram).

Procedure Description

1. An intravenous (IV) line is started to inject a radiotracer into the bloodstream.
2. The patient lies on a scanning table.
3. Electrodes are attached to the patient's chest to monitor heart activity (ECG).
4. A gamma camera takes images of the heart at rest.
5. For stress imaging, the patient will either exercise on a treadmill or bicycle or receive medication to stress the heart.
6. Additional images are taken during the stress phase.
   • Tools/Equipment: Gamma Camera, Radiotracer, IV line, ECG machine.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required; mild sedative may be used if the patient is anxious.

Duration

Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Cardiologist or Radiologist
• Nursing Staff

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild discomfort from IV insertion, allergic reaction to radiotracer (rare).
• Possible Complications: Adverse reactions to stress medications (rare), hematoma at IV site.

Benefits

• Provides detailed assessment of heart's pumping efficiency.
• Helps in planning treatments for heart disease.
• Results typically available soon after the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure: Resume normal activities immediately unless sedated.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by healthcare provider.
• Expect follow-up appointment to discuss results.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Echocardiogram, Cardiac MRI, Stress Test without imaging.
• Pros/Cons: Alternatives may be less detailed but also less invasive; choice depends on specific medical condition and diagnostic needs.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Lying still on a table, possible mild discomfort from IV, stress phase may cause temporary elevated heart rate.
• After Procedure: Minimal recovery time, instructions for hydration to help remove radiotracer from body. Comfort measures such as blankets and pillows are provided for support.