Implementing a standardized and symptom-oriented flowchart "Kielsflow" for advanced cardiac imaging in a 24/7 interdisciplinary emergency department using spectral CT

Abstract

This work focuses on implementing a standardized and symptom-oriented flowchart for advanced cardiac imaging in a 24/7 emergency setting using a dual-layer spectral detector CT system. This flowchart was designed to optimize patient management and standardize imaging workflow. It includes acquisition parameters and contrast agent protocols for the most relevant clinical questions regarding cardiac CT imaging in the interdisciplinary emergency department. The automated reconstruction of symptom-oriented spectral images represents an additional strength here. This implementation is designed to be time-efficient and user-friendly and improves diagnostic quality, independent of the qualification level of clinical and technical personnel.

Keywords: Cardiac imaging; Computed tomography; Dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography; Emergency department; Patient management; Workflow.