Sentara creates advanced cardiac imaging team

Sentara Health is proud to provide destination medical care at Sentara Heart Hospital. The robust cardiovascular program continues to grow in expertise and technological improvements. One of the most recent additions is the Advanced Cardiac Imaging Team (ACIT).

The group of five, led by Sarah Joyner, M.D., joined forces in September of 2024. Manik Veer, M.D., Joshua Cohen, M.D., Denis Yusupov, M.D., and Angelina Zhyvotovska, M.D., all specialize in multi-modality imaging. Echocardiograms, CTs, MRIs, and stress tests are all included in their scope of work. The team’s mission, however, is to fine tune and standardize every aspect of Sentara’s cardiac imaging capabilities.

The ACIT has been providing oversight to the imaging arm of Sentara since its inception. Aligning protocol and streamlining workflow are central to the first phase of their initiative. By consulting with both national equipment manufacturers and local technicians, the team is improving image quality, clarity, and reliability. In turn, reducing the need for repeat imaging and quickening the route to diagnosis and treatment.

Another key focus for the ACIT involves systemwide protocols to lesson patient exposure to radiation and contrast. Studies have concluded that overuse can lead to complications such as cancer and kidney failure. By combining crucial data from a patient’s history and obtaining the appropriate images, fewer screenings become necessary and better outcomes prevail.

Efficiency in the lab is also a major component of the overall ACIT goal because waiting, of course, is the hardest part. The team is devoted to reading images in a fixed, timely manner for patients and clinicians to have a much faster reported result.

“With systematic imaging,” said Dr. Manik Veer, the group intends “to move away from more invasive diagnostics towards non-invasive testing that is precise, accurate and reproducible.”

With local expertise, the ACIT can regularly consult with fellow physicians to collaborate on diagnosis and follow up care. Having a team approach aids in understanding a patient’s complete health story. Additionally, it has proven to reduce readmissions, cost, the need for secondary studies, and patient comfort.

Sentara's commitment to providing renown care is steadfast. The work and dedication of the Advanced Cardiac Imaging Team are already proving to be beneficial for not only the healthcare system, but for patients throughout the region.