Nuclear Cardiology

We have state-of-the-art equipment including:

• Spectrum Dynamics DSPECT cardiac gamma-camera (funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity)
• 'PULSE' IS2 double headed cardiac gamma-camera
• GE 'CASE' ECG set for stressing procedures
• sophisticated software for imaging reconstruction
• radiological equipment for quality control, dispensing and administering radiopharmaceuticals.
  

For more information please visit:

British Nuclear Cardiology Society

Our team

We have a very experienced and highly qualified team with expertise in cardiac imaging.

• Dr Nik Sabharwal
  Consultant Cardiologist
• Dr Andrew Kelion
  Consultant Cardiologist
• Dr Sergei Pavlitchouk
  Nuclear Cardiology Services Manager
• Mrs Felicidad Ramos
  Cardiac Physiologist, Deputy Manager
• Mrs Cara Bown
  Cardiac Physiologist
• Mr Richard Warner
  Cardiac Physiologist
• Mr Simon Overy
  Secretary

Tests

Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS)

This test looks for coronary artery disease. A small amount of a radioactive substance (Myoview-Tc99m or Thallium-201) is injected into the bloodstream at peak stress, and again at rest.

The distribution of this tracer, as it travels through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle, can be visualised by a highly sensitive scanner called a gamma-camera.

The stress can take the form of exercise on a treadmill or bike. Patients with mobility issues are given an infusion of an established intravenous pharmacological stressing agent.

We then analyse the images and send them to the referring consultant.

For more information please visit:

British Heart Foundation - Myocardial perfusion scan

Radionuclide Ventriculography (RNV or MUGA)

A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream to assess regional heart muscle contraction and overall heart pumping function.

For more information please visit:

British Nuclear Cardiology Society - What is Nuclear Cardiology?

Your appointment

A one-day appointment (including both stress and rest parts) is four to five hours in total

A two-day appointment (stress and rest on separate days) is two hours each day

We have two separate waiting areas, one for non-injected patients and relatives and another for injected (radioactive) patients.

Our staff will let you know in advance when you are likely to be allowed home and will discuss your transport options with you.

Food and drink

We ask you to eat and drink something to help to clear the radioactive agent out of your system. This improves the quality of the scan. You might like to bring some food and drink with you from home.

Some refreshments are available to buy within the hospital and we also have drinking water for patients.

Find us and contact us

Nuclear Cardiology Department
Level 1, John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way
Oxford OX3 9DU

Tel: 01865 221979
Email: orh-tr.nuclearcardiology@nhs.net

Manager: Dr Sergei Pavlitchouk

From the Level 2 main entrance, follow the corridor along to the main lifts.

Take the lift (or stairs) down to Level 1. As you walk out of the lift, exit through the double doors and turn right.

Follow the corridor down to the next set of lifts. Nuclear Cardiology is the red entrance on your right.

Please report to Reception on arrival.

How to find the John Radcliffe Hospital