Intima Media Thickness (IMT)
A very specific, safe and painless, ultrasound procedure is performed to measure the thickness of the carotid artery wall. The captured video files are sent via the Internet or VHS tape can be sent through the mail to the HeartSmart Technologies. lab where they are processed for expert interpretation. Digital Transfer is done with the 510(K) compliant DIVO Imager and our HIPAA compliant file transfer software. The IMT scan is compared to the data in a proprietary interactive database of over 40,000 patients with over 1,000,000 data points, which have been mapped and categorized by age, gender and ethnic background.

Image Processing
The obtained images are processed using a patented computer algorithm to pixel map and track the Intima Media Thickness area of both carotid arteries. Image processing is performed at the HeartSmart Technologies. laboratory in Los Angeles, California. The results are studied and correlated with a patented interactive database of correlative patient risk factors.

Results
The HeartSmartIMTplus™ report is sent back to the ordering physician via secure e-mail or other preferred delivery system. The report includes a risk assessment of the extent and severity of vascular disease and its correlative heart disease risk. HeartSmart Technologies. uses an A thru E scale as shown below.

Patient Consultation
The Physician can then recommend therapeutic management depending on each individual patient’s medical history and complimentary diagnostic tests. The patient receives an actual picture of the scan, which has been definitively shown to raise treatment compliance levels.

HeartSmartIMTplus™ does not expose the patient to pain, radiation, needles, or contrast agents and related substances.