New heart scan tech could transform heart disease diagnosis

Published: 28 September 2025

New high-resolution heart scan tech could transform diagnosis and treatment in New Zealand. Dr Charlotte Greer is exploring its potential to detect disease earlier and reduce the need for multiple or invasive tests.

A revolutionary heart imaging technology hailed as a ‘game-changer’ has been introduced to New Zealand hospitals and could transform how heart disease is diagnosed and treated across the country. 

Christchurch cardiologist and researcher from the University of Otago, Dr Charlotte Greer, has been awarded funding by the Heart Foundation to explore how this cutting-edge imaging tool could help doctors detect heart disease earlier and more accurately than ever before. 

The technology, which is being rolled out in public hospitals in Christchurch and Kenepuru (Porirua), produces ultra-high-resolution images of the heart, revealing fine details of heart muscle, arteries and surrounding fat tissue that traditional CT scans often miss. 

“The difference between a normal CT and the new photon-counting CT is like going from an older TV to a high-definition smart TV,” says Charlotte. 

“We’re now able to see the heart in much greater detail. We will be able to see subtle abnormalities that were previously invisible on scans.” 

Benefits of photon-counting CT and new biomarker research

Charlotte’s Senior Fellowship will explore how photon-counting CT scanners can be used to assess different heart conditions, from heart failure to coronary artery disease, and how it compares to existing imaging methods.  

She says the photon-counting CT scanners could be used as a “one-stop shop” for imaging instead of needing multiple scans with different devices. 

“Currently, if you wanted to look at someone’s coronary arteries, that would involve a coronary CT or an invasive angiogram. If you want to look at the heart muscle it might involve an echocardiogram or in some cases an MRI. Having a scanner combining all these details at once could mean more patients get seen and get a diagnosis more quickly.” 

Her research will also investigate new biomarkers and how combining them with photon-counting CT results could improve long-term risk prediction for patients. 

Charlotte says some inflammatory biomarkers appear to link to poorer outcomes in people who have had a heart attack. 

“What’s interesting is that even when their scans and clinical details look similar, those with higher levels of these markers tend to do worse. If we can use these biomarkers to identify patients at higher risk, it means we can focus more treatment and follow-up on those individuals, giving them a better chance at recovery.” 

Charlotte’s research could one day shape future diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies both in New Zealand and internationally. 

Heart Foundation Medical Director Dr Gerry Devlin says Charlotte’s research, along with the use of the new photon-counting CT scanner, could change how medical professionals diagnose heart disease. 

“We’re excited about this advanced imaging technology and what it could mean for New Zealanders,” he says. 

“By helping doctors detect potential heart problems sooner, reducing the need for invasive procedures, and supporting more effective and early treatment, this technology provides the opportunity to deliver better heart health outcomes for all New Zealanders.”