640 Slices in a Heartbeat: Why Speed Matters in Cardiac CT Imaging

The human heart never stops moving. Beating over 100,000 times per day, this constant motion creates a fundamental challenge for cardiac imaging: how do you capture a sharp, diagnostic-quality picture of an organ that is always in motion?

At Central Park Advanced Imaging, this challenge is addressed with the United Imaging uCT Atlas 640-Slice CT scanner—technology engineered for cardiac precision. This system captures the entire heart in a single 0.25-second rotation, helping minimize motion and reveal coronary anatomy with exceptional clarity.

Why Speed Defines Cardiac CT Quality

In cardiac imaging, speed plays a central role in image clarity. Traditional CT scanners with narrower detectors often require multiple exposures to cover the heart, which can introduce motion artifacts and reduce consistency.

The uCT Atlas addresses this with its 160 mm detector, allowing full cardiac anatomy to be captured in a single rotation for seamless visualization of the coronary arteries.

Technology That Transforms Detection

• Single-Heartbeat Capture: Complete imaging in 0.25 seconds, supporting motion reduction even in patients with higher heart rates.
• 640-Slice Resolution: High-detail visualization of coronary anatomy, including plaque, calcifications, and vessel narrowing.
• Deep IR Reconstruction: AI-powered processing reduces noise while preserving fine anatomical structures and supporting lower-dose imaging protocols.
• Dual-Energy Analysis: Material differentiation supports tissue characterization and plaque assessment.

“In cardiac CT, imaging speed directly supports image consistency and clinical confidence. Single-rotation acquisition allows physicians to evaluate coronary anatomy with greater clarity and fewer motion-related limitations.”

From Images to Insights: AI-Driven Risk Assessment

The 640-slice scan provides the imaging foundation, while our Advanced Cardiac Imaging (ACI) program extends the analysis. Through partnerships with Cleerly and HeartFlow, coronary CTA data is transformed into detailed, personalized cardiac insights.

Beyond Calcium Scoring

• Soft Plaque Detection: Identifies non-calcified plaque that calcium scoring alone may not capture.
• Plaque Burden Quantification: Measures total atherosclerotic volume across coronary vessels for broader risk context.
• Functional Flow Analysis (FFR-CT): Computational modeling evaluates how blockages may affect blood flow without invasive catheterization.
• Longitudinal Tracking: Follow-up scans allow plaque trends to be monitored over time to support personalized care planning.

The Patient Experience: Comfort Without Compromise

Advanced diagnostics are designed to remain comfortable and accessible. The uCT Atlas features an 82 cm ultra-wide bore and a table capacity of 700 pounds, supporting a wide range of body types while helping reduce claustrophobia.

This technology is paired with our Premium Concierge Service—same-week appointments, efficient visit flow, and results reviewed by board-certified radiologists on-site. Every part of the experience is designed to make advanced cardiac screening smooth and approachable.

Looking Ahead

The future of cardiac care continues to move toward earlier visibility and proactive monitoring. By combining 640-slice cardiac CT with AI-assisted analysis, cardiac imaging is evolving into a powerful tool for earlier awareness and more personalized heart health planning.

At CPAI, we’re committed to providing advanced cardiac screening in Manhattan using leading technology and patient-first care. Whether managing known risk factors or pursuing a proactive health approach, our Advanced Cardiac Imaging program delivers the clarity needed to support confident, informed decisions. Schedule your scan and take an active role in your cardiovascular health.