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No Radiation Needed: 3D Tool Creates Maps of Patients’ Hearts Before Procedures

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Doctors can visualize the source of the irregular heartbeat and place catheters. Photo: Flickr Creative Commons

A new mapping technology is helping doctors determine where to place life-saving catheters in patients with irregular heartbeats without the use of radiation. It’s being used at Florida Hospital. One of these patients is 14-year-old Greyson Abraham who has a heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac death in young athletes. He credits the procedure with helping him get back on the field.

"I could play sports again and my heart wouldn’t do anything wrong anymore. It was just a week of not doing heavy lifting, it was an easy recovery.”

Mayo Clinic says estimates young athletes account for 1 in every 50,000 sudden cardiac deaths a year.

To listen to the full story, please click on the clip above.

Danielle Prieur is WMFE's education reporter.