Non-Invasive Cardiology

Advanced cardiac imaging is one of the outstanding strengths we offer patients.

Advanced imaging technologies have dramatically improved the ability to detect and treat cardiovascular disease at an early stage. Patients who are at increased risk for heart disease, either because of genetics or lifestyle choices, are especially well served by today’s enhanced technology. Non-invasive cardiac procedures can allow the achievement of similar results of procedures that are more invasive, but with less risk, no exposure to radiation (X-Rays), and fewer needles. There is little to no pain associated with ultrasounds and the procedures are much shorter than more invasive testing.

Advanced Imaging Services

Thanks to our partnerships with local hospitals throughout the region, many of our clinical locations offer imaging services locally. For more advanced services patients ca be referred to our main campus located within J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown.

On our main campus, the Heart and Vascular Imaging Services (HVIS), formerly known as the Cardiovascular Interventional Services (CVIS), is located on the third floor of the southeast tower at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. It is directly across from echo/vascular, stress testing, and nuclear cardiology. The newly-renovated space houses transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prep, procedure, and recovery rooms, and additional echo and vascular ultrasound rooms.

Our team also works closely with the Center for Advanced Imaging (CAI) which is a 12,000-square-foot research and clinical imaging facility that provides access to the latest technology, including:

• 3-Tesla MRI which are twice as powerful as regular MRI and  produces clearer and more complete images
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• five 640-Slice CT scanners that provides real-time ultrasound 3-D image of the patient’s heart. Using this cutting-edge tool, the healthcare team can diagnose congenital heart disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular disorders.
• and others

Services and Procedures

Diagnostic procedures performed at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute include:

• 640-Slice CT scan
• Abdominal aorta ultrasound
• Aortography
• Arrhythmia mapping
• Cardiac MRI
• Carotid ultrasound
• Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
• CT angiography
• D SPECT
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Electrophysiological studies (EPS)
• Event monitors
• Holter monitoring
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Non-invasive flow studies
• Radioisotope examinations of the heart
• Signal-averaging EGG
• Stress testing
• Tilt table
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Vascular ultrasound

Learn more about the PET-CT Center.

Things to know before undergoing a procedure

• Most of our procedures are short, but plan on spending a couple of hours to account for checking in on the ground floor, walking to the department, and completing your test.
• If you are having a stress test we recommend that you wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes; as though you were going to the gym or to exercise.
• You cannot eat prior to a stress test or a TEE. If you are having these procedures and need to take your morning medications, do so with a small sip of water. Please consult your physician if you have any questions about how you should take your medications prior to your procedure.
• If you are having a TEE you must have an individual available to drive you home following the test due to the sedation you will be given. If you do not have a person to take you home, your test will be rescheduled to a time that can have a ride arranged.

Related News

WVU Heart and Vascular Institute first to implement technology for non-invasive detection of heart disease