Advancing Outpatient Cardiac Imaging: CCTA with FFRCT and Plaque Analysis Now Available!

We’re excited to introduce Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA), a new noninvasive heart imaging exam now available through TRA. This advanced test helps doctors detect heart disease earlier, better understand a patient’s risk, and make treatment decisions more quickly. CCTA provides detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries and can be enhanced with optional AI-powered FFRCT and Plaque Analysis to evaluate blood flow and plaque buildup. By offering this high-level imaging in an outpatient setting, TRA is expanding access to advanced cardiac care and making it easier for patients in our community to get the answers they need.

What Is a Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA)?

A Cardiac CT Angiogram (CCTA) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a CT scanner and contrast dye to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the heart and coronary arteries. These images allow clinicians to assess for narrowed or blocked arteries, plaque buildup, and other cardiac abnormalities that may contribute to chest pain or increased cardiovascular risk.

CCTA is often recommended when other cardiac tests do not provide enough information or when a clearer understanding of coronary anatomy is needed.

A Two-Step Approach to Clearer Answers

Our CCTA program follows a streamlined, two-step pathway designed to deliver actionable insights efficiently:

STEP 1 – Scan

A non-invasive Coronary CTA captures high-resolution images of the heart and coronary arteries. This provides a detailed look at vessel anatomy and identifies the presence of narrowing or plaque.

STEP 2 – Advanced Analysis

If indicated, the CCTA images undergo advanced AI processing for deeper analysis:

FFRCT Analysis

FFRCT uses artificial intelligence to generate a personalized 3D model of the coronary arteries. This analysis evaluates how identified blockages may be affecting blood flow to the heart muscle—helping determine the functional significance of coronary disease without invasive testing.

Plaque Analysis

Plaque Analysis evaluates both the volume and composition of plaque within the coronary arteries. This prognostic information can enhance cardiovascular risk assessment and help guide decisions around the intensity of preventative therapies.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CCTA?

CCTA may be appropriate for patients with:

• Chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath
• An abnormal or inconclusive stress test
• A family history of heart disease
• Risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of smoking

By identifying coronary disease earlier, providers can make more informed decisions about treatment and prevention.

Insurance Coverage

CCTA, along with FFRCT and Plaque Analysis, is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurers for eligible patients. Prior authorization may be required and, when necessary, will be obtained by TRA to help streamline the process for both patients and referring providers.

Where the Exam Is Offered

CCTA is now available at the following outpatient imaging locations:

TRA Tacoma – Union
Scheduling Phone: 253-761-4200
Scheduling Fax: 253-761-4201

DINW Sunrise Imaging Center
Scheduling Phone: 253-841-4353
Scheduling Fax: 253-446-3973

Additional patient and provider information is available at tranow.com/ccta and dinw.com/ccta.

Moving Cardiac Care Forward

With the addition of CCTA, FFRCT, and Plaque Analysis, we’re advancing outpatient cardiac imaging by offering a noninvasive, comprehensive, and efficient pathway to evaluate coronary artery disease. This approach supports earlier diagnosis, more personalized risk assessment, and faster decisions—helping providers deliver high-quality cardiac care when it matters most.

Learn More Here: https://www.dinw.com/services/ct-scan/ccta/