Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : IMAT - ultrafast tomography for coronary artery disease -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Silver Knife who wrote (2965)	3/20/1999 3:21:00 PM
From: John R Resseger	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3725

nejm.org The Growth of Electron-Beam CT The detection of coronary-artery calcification with electron-beam CT began as a part of research protocols in the mid-1980s, but the technique is now spreading rapidly into clinical use in the United States. There are currently about 50 electron-beam CT scanners in the United States. Most are operated in association with hospitals, but the industry projects that the number of scanners in clinical use will double within the next one to two years. The test is appealing because it is noninvasive (radiation exposure is an order of magnitude less than with coronary angiography (3)), fast (the entire procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes), and simple. <<<There are currently about 50 electron-beam CT scanners in the United States. Most are operated in association with hospitals, but the industry projects that the number of scanners in clinical use will double within the next one to two years>> Potential of 50 sales just in US in next 18 months. Figure one in every major City in Europe. There are various potential uses of electron-beam CT, notably as a replacement for conventional CT and in emerging approaches such as electron-beam CT angiography (as reported by Achenbach et al. in this issue of the Journal (4)). But the current growth of electron-beam CT is being fueled by its use as a screening procedure for coronary calcification associated with coronary atherosclerosis. As a diagnostic test for obstructive coronary artery disease, its cost and accuracy approximate those of the treadmill exercise test. Excuse me!!!! Approximates I don't think so. Self-referral for electron-beam CT is based on the premise that conventional cardiovascular risk factors inadequately quantify risk. In this framework, electron-beam CT is viewed as a physiologic "litmus test" for cardiac risk factors. For example, the test might identify patients with borderline cholesterol values who should or should not receive drug treatment to lower their cholesterol levels. Self-referral for electron-beam CT may also help lead patients toward potentially beneficial treatments to modify cardiovascular risk. However, many patients are well served by existing guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as implemented by physicians. Furthermore, because the ultimate focus for any patient will be on modifiable coronary risk factors, it remains unclear whether electron-beam CT will provide useful information to guide the choice and intensity of strategies to modify risk. However, many patients are well served by existing guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as implemented by physicians. How about the 150,000 that drop dead? How about all the people taking drugs who don't need to? Furthermore, because the ultimate focus for any patient will be on modifiable coronary risk factors, it remains unclear whether electron-beam CT will provide useful information to guide the choice and intensity of strategies to modify risk. In otherwords telling the patient the his true condition might not be the best thing for him. Bernie I could be mistaken on the 11 scanner figure. There are at least 5 listed on the IMAT web site. It could be all the beef eating Option and Commondity Traders are getting checked when they have pannic attacks. I'll e-mail him for clarification.