Coronary CT Angiography

ECG-gated contrast-enhanced CT angiography of the coronary arteries, mapping stenosis, plaque type, and coronary anomalies in three dimensions without invasive catheterisation. The gold standard non-invasive test for ruling out significant coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients.

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) at Hirslanden Klinik Im Park is a standalone cardiac CT examination for patients with a physician referral or self-referral seeking definitive non-invasive coronary artery assessment. The study uses multi-detector CT with ECG gating and intravenous iodine contrast to image the coronary arteries with submillimetre spatial resolution, producing detailed three-dimensional reconstructions of the coronary tree. The cardiovascular medicine network at Klinik Im Park, which encompasses nine specialist practices including HerzGefässZentrum Im Park AG and Cardiopark AG, supports one of the highest volumes of cardiac CT examinations in the Swiss private sector. This clinical volume translates directly into imaging expertise: the cardiologists and radiologists interpreting the scans have deep subspecialty experience in distinguishing technically challenging findings such as diffuse calcification, non-obstructive versus obstructive plaque, and anomalous coronary origins. Before the scan, heart rate is checked and rate-lowering medication may be offered if the resting rate is above 65 to 70 beats per minute — slower heart rates improve image sharpness. Nitroglycerine spray is administered sublingually approximately 5 minutes before scanning to dilate the coronary arteries and optimise luminal opacification. The contrast agent is injected as a timed bolus intravenously and tracked in real time to trigger scanning at peak coronary opacification. The injection causes a brief, intense warmth throughout the body lasting 20 to 30 seconds — harmless and expected. The acquisition itself takes under a minute; total clinic time is approximately 60 minutes including preparation, the scan, and the immediate post-scan clinical review. Results are typically available within 48 hours as a comprehensive written report including per-segment stenosis grading (SCCT classification), plaque characterisation (calcified, non-calcified, mixed), overall RADS score, and clinical management recommendations. Patients with findings suggestive of obstructive disease are triaged directly into the cardiovascular network for expedited review by the heart team.