Name of the Procedure:

Rubidium-82 PET Scan (Commonly known as a Rubidium-82 Scan)

• Technical/Medical Terms: Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (PET) scan, A9555

Summary

A Rubidium-82 PET scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. In simple terms, it helps doctors determine how well blood is reaching areas of the heart, which is essential for diagnosing heart conditions.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Used primarily to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked.
• Goals/Outcomes: To identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, helping doctors decide on the best treatment plans for patients, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue during physical exertion, and abnormal stress test results.
• Patient Criteria: Generally performed on patients who exhibit signs of heart disease, have inconclusive results from other tests, or need precise imaging for surgical planning.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 4-6 hours before the test.
  • Medication Adjustments: Certain medications, particularly those affecting heart rate, may be temporarily discontinued.
• Assessments Required:
  • Initial physical examination and medical history review.
  • Possible stress test or other preliminary heart function assessments.

Procedure Description

1. Injection: The procedure begins with an intravenous (IV) injection of Rubidium-82, a radioactive tracer.
2. Imaging: After the injection, the patient lies on a table that slides into the PET scanner. The machine detects the radiation emitted by Rubidium-82 as it travels through the bloodstream to the heart.
3. Data Collection: Images are taken to show where blood flow is adequate and where it is reduced.
4. Completion: The images are analyzed to provide detailed information about heart function and blood flow.
   • Equipment Used: PET scanner and IV injection of Rubidium-82.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically not required, as the procedure is non-invasive and painless.

Duration

The total procedure time is usually around 30-45 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in specialized diagnostic imaging centers, often located within hospitals or outpatient clinics.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: A cardiologist, a nuclear medicine specialist, a PET technologist, and nursing staff for the IV administration and patient monitoring.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal exposure to low levels of radiation.
• Rare Complications: Allergic reactions to the tracer, although extremely rare, and minor IV-related issues such as bruising or infection.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Provides detailed information about blood flow to the heart, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Realization Time: Results are typically available within a few days of the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Normally, no special care is required post-scan. Patients can return to normal activities immediately.
• Recovery Time: Immediate, as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Follow-up: Results review with the referring doctor to discuss findings and next steps.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Traditional stress tests, echocardiography, or coronary angiography.
• Pros and Cons: While other tests may be less costly or more widely available, a Rubidium-82 PET scan provides more detailed images and greater accuracy in assessing blood flow.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients may feel a slight discomfort from the IV insertion but otherwise should feel at ease lying still in the scanner.
• After the Procedure: Generally, patients feel normal and can resume daily activities. Mild hydration is recommended to help flush the tracer from the body.
• Pain Management: No pain management typically needed due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure.