Advanced Cardiac Imaging

A cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) evaluates the structure, function, muscle, valves and blood flow of the heart. This radiation-free diagnostic test uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed, still and moving 3D images of the heart. The test usually takes 45-60 minutes to complete. Your primary cardiologist will discuss if your child requires IV access to administer gadolinium or iron-based contrast that enhances image quality. To prevent motion artifact, your child may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds many times throughout the MRI. Free breathing options are also available. All female patients past the age of menstruation are asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing before testing.

Our child life specialists are available if you feel your child may benefit from child life involvement or may need sedation or anesthesia for testing.

What can patient families expect when arriving for an MRI at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital?

• Your child should wear comfortable clothes like a T-shirt and sweatpants. Please avoid wearing jewelry or clothing with zippers and snaps.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before your MRI scanning time.
• Shortly after arriving you will be asked to remove all metal including jewelry and hair accessories. Please let our team know if you have braces or piercings.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown
• If your child requires IV access this will be placed
• Your child will be taken into the scanner room. They will be asked to lie still on a special bed that moves into the open space in the middle of a round scanner. They are able to communicate with our team via an intercom system throughout the scan.
• Depending on your scheduled location, your child may have the ability to listen to music or watch a movie during the scan.

Cardiac CT (Computed tomography) uses X-ray technology to create high resolution 3D images of the heart and vessels. While this test does require some radiation exposure, our skilled pediatric cardiac imaging team are trained to guarantee minimal required dosing. This test typically takes 15 minutes to complete. Your child will require IV access to administer contrast to improve image quality. They may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds one time to prevent motion artifact. All female patients past the age of menstruation will be asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing before testing.

If you feel that your child may need sedation or anesthesia for testing, please discuss this with your primary cardiologist.

What can patient families expect when arriving for a cardiac CT at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital?

• Your child should wear comfortable clothes like a T-shirt and sweatpants. They will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• IV access will be obtained by our CT technicians
• Your child will be taken into the scanner room. They will be asked to lie still on a special bed that moves into the open space in the middle of a round scanner. You are able to remain in the room with them throughout the scan.
• Contrast dye will be administered. This may make them feel warm and fuzzy. It can also give the sensation of urination.

Our team is skilled in working with children of all ages and developmental levels. With proper preparation, we are typically able to complete most advanced cardiac imaging without the use of sedation or anesthesia. Some tips to help prepare your child before your upcoming visit include the following.

• Explain the testing that is planned step-by-step in plain language that they will understand
• Provide reassurance
• Encourage your child to bring a comfort item
• Play pretend: You can first demonstrate the test on a stuffed animal or doll while your child watches or helps. You can then progress to pretending to do the test on the child.
• Have your child practice lying still and holding their breath for the necessary amount of time. It is helpful to use a timer, to give frequent breaks, and to praise calm and cooperative behavior.

Child life specialists are available in most settings to help young children or those with special needs cope with advanced imaging by providing a variety of play experiences. These activities help both children and families gain a greater understanding of medical procedures, which helps reduce stress and fear of the unknown.

Children who may benefit from child life services for advanced cardiac imaging are those children with fear of small spaces, fear of the dark, fear of needles or those patients with special needs.

Please let our scheduling team know at the time of booking if you feel that your child will need this support.