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Medical equipment industry

PET Scanning Techniques Show Promise in Detecting and Managing Heart Disease

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted by Dr. K. Lance Gould at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston has demonstrated the effectiveness of PET scanning techniques in detecting and managing heart disease. The study, published in the September issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, used Positron Corporation's POSICAM(TM) positron emission tomography ("PET") scanner to assess blood flow to the heart muscle in patients with serious coronary artery disease. The results showed that PET technology can help monitor subtle changes in blood flow to the heart muscle, providing an incentive for patients to undergo non-invasive treatment techniques.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study conducted by Dr. K. Lance Gould used PET scanning techniques to detect and manage heart disease, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
  • The POSICAM(TM) PET scanner developed by Positron Corporation was used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle in patients with serious coronary artery disease.
  • Non-invasive treatment techniques employing PET scans can show improvements in blood flow to the heart in as few as three months, providing an incentive for patients to undergo treatment.
  • According to Dr. Dean Ornish, "small reversals in clogging of coronary arteries may result in much greater improvements in blood flow to the heart."
  • Positron Corporation's sales have increased by 400% over the average of the last several years, reflecting a change in attitude among physicians who treat heart disease.
  • The company anticipates stronger demand for PET systems as non-invasive treatment techniques become more established.
  • PET technology permits the measurement of biological processes of organs and tissues, as well as producing anatomical and structural images.
  • POSICAM(TM) systems are used by physicians in the diagnosis and management of heart disease and certain other neurological and oncological illnesses.

Statistics:

  • The study demonstrated a significant improvement in blood flow to the heart muscle in patients undergoing non-invasive treatment techniques.
  • PET technology can show improvements in blood flow to the heart in as few as three months.
  • Positron Corporation's sales have increased by 400% over the average of the last several years.
  • The company anticipates stronger demand for PET systems as non-invasive treatment techniques become more established.

Sources:

  • The Journal of the American Medical Association, September issue
  • Positron Corporation Press Release, October 17, 1995
  • New York Times article featuring comments by Dr. Dean Ornish
  • Statement by Gary B. Wood, Ph.D., Chairman of Positron Corporation.

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