What is a PV (Pulmonary Vein) scan?
The PV Scan (or Pulmonary Vein scan) uses CT technology to see the pulmonary veins. These are the large blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart. The scan is designed to identify any blockages in those vessels, show the anatomy and provide data for an ablation procedure.
Pulmonary vein scans are a type of cardiac CT scan.
PV (Pulmonary Vein) scan
What happens during a PV scan?
A. Before your PV scan
Preparation – On the day of the scan
On the day of your scan, please drink a lot of water prior to your appointment time.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your health status, medication, and any known allergies. If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform us before your scan. You may also be asked to change into a gown and remove some jewellery for your scan.
B. During your PV scan
Scan
When you are transferred to the CT room you will be made comfortable on the examination table. The examination table slides you into the centre of the CT machine and some preliminary pictures are taken to confirm the scan position.
X-ray dye (contrast) will be injected into a vein via a cannula (a thin plastic tube, like a flexible needle) in your arm. The scan is then performed while the dye is passing through your blood vessels. You may feel flushed during this injection.
The scan will take approximately 15-30 minutes.
Risks and side effects
The PV scan is a very low-risk procedure. Find out more about CT Risks and Side Effects.
Who will perform my scan?
At Envision Medical imaging your PV scan will be carried out by a radiographer (medical imaging technologist), who has a degree in medical imaging and is accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography. We have a team of Radiologists (a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images) as well as Cardiologist who will prepare and send a report to your referring doctor detailing the findings of your PV scan.
PV (Pulmonary Vein) scan
What happens after a PV scan?
How do I get my results?
After your appointment, the information from your scan is processed and interpreted by Envision’s medical imaging team before delivery of a report to your doctor.
Post procedural information
At the end of the procedure the cannula will be withdrawn carefully from the vein and a band aid applied. The dye will be flushed naturally by your body over the following 24 hours without you noticing it. You are free to eat and drink normally. We recommend you continue to drink plenty of fluids to assist your body in flushing the contrast. You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after your scan.
PV (Pulmonary Vein) scan
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Medical Imaging Practice Perth
Types of Imaging
At Envision, we offer the most sought-after types of imaging for diagnostics and treatments. Our Wembley headquarters is the largest single-site radiology practice in Perth
