SRM Global Hospitals Introduces X-Ray Free, 3D Model-Based Imaging for Treating Irregular Heartbeats

Chennai, 30 April 2024: SRM Global Hospitals has become one of the few hospitals in the country to use an x-ray free, 3D model-based imaging system to identify the abnormal heart tissues that cause irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias) before treating them using a catheter-based procedure known as ablation.

The hospital adopted a cutting-edge technology, EnSite Cardiac Mapping System, in treating a 57-year-old male, recently, who suffered from supraventricular tachycardia, a condition of faster than normal heartbeat. Dr. T. R. Muralidharan, Director of Institute of Cardiac Sciences, SRM Global Hospitals, and his team used the imaging system and did ablation, which is a minimally invasive procedure. The patient is completely cured of his arrhythmia.

Conventionally, X-ray fluoroscopy, a type of imaging procedure that uses several pulses of an X-ray beam to take real-time footage of tissues inside the body, is used as the primary cardiac imaging modality in diagnosing tissues causing cardiac arrhythmias. However, the use of x-ray means radiation exposure that can pose serious health risks especially for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and the medical team. EnSite is based on an advanced non-fluoroscopic mapping technology that avoids or minimizes radiation exposure, yet provides highly detailed, three-dimensional models and maps that help doctors more effectively diagnose the sources of irregular heart rhythms.

In his comments, Dr. Muralidharan said, “Our heartbeat is governed by a series of electrical impulses. But when the normal flow of electrical signals is disrupted, it results in palpitations. The condition feels like the heart has skipped a beat or added an extra beat. Palpitations are typically harmless and resolve on their own without any treatment. But they may also indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as: arrhythmia, abnormal heart valves, heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Conventionally, X-ray imaging is used to figure out the abnormal tissues that disrupt the flow of electrical signals. However, x-ray imaging causes radiation exposure. Hence it is not safe. In contrast, the EnSite mapping system can create the required geometric contours of those relevant cardiac structures and chambers. It is used as an alternative to x-ray fluoroscopy.”

Speaking about this milestone, Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Group of Companies stated, “We constantly work on delivering top quality healthcare services that result in fast healing and ensure safety and comfort of our patients. Our skilled experts and the new technology, EnSite X used in correcting irregular heart rhythms promise a transformative shift in diagnosis and assessment of heart health.”

Though non-fluoroscopic cardiac mapping systems are becoming standard of care in the treatment of palpitations, it requires experienced electrophysiology physicians. The competent team of SRM Global Hospitals offers this treatment for patients suffering from all types of arrhythmia.