Piedmont Heart of Blairsville enhances cardiac care with state-of-the-art imaging camera

Blairsville, Ga. (April 24, 2026) – Piedmont Heart of Blairsville is elevating cardiac care for North Georgia patients with the installation of a new MyoSPECT™ nuclear imaging camera, a next-generation cardiac imaging system that delivers clearer images, faster scan times, and a more comfortable experience for patients.

Powered by GE HealthCare’s advanced CZT (Cadmium Zinc Telluride) digital detector technology, MyoSPECT directly converts gamma-ray photons into digital signals, enabling exceptional image clarity, improved diagnostic accuracy, and lower radiation exposure compared to traditional Anger cameras.

The system includes innovative features such as Smart Positioning and Extended Field-of-View (EFOV), allowing clinicians to image patients of varying body sizes—including high‑BMI individuals—with greater ease and precision. The wider, more supportive table accommodates up to 500 pounds, improving both safety and comfort. These enhancements allow many cardiac nuclear studies to be completed in a single day, eliminating the need for return visits.

“This technology will be transformative for our patients,” said the care team at Piedmont Heart Clinic of Blairsville. “By offering faster, more precise imaging, we can diagnose heart conditions earlier and with greater confidence—right here close to home.”

Improving access to advanced cardiac imaging

David Kandzari, MD, a physician with Piedmont Heart of Blairsville, emphasized the impact this technology will have on patients in the region.

“The advancement of cardiac imaging is an important example of Piedmont Heart Institute’s longstanding commitment to patients in North Georgia,” said Dr. Kandzari “Our ambition is to not only offer state of the art, high quality care but also to provide it closer to home.” 

Shorter exams, higher accuracy

MyoSPECT’s design enables scan times as short as 3 to 5 minutes, significantly reducing motion artifacts and improving comfort—particularly for older adults, patients experiencing joint pain, or those who struggle to remain still for long periods.

The system also supports dynamic cardiac imaging, including Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) assessment, providing clinicians with valuable data for identifying early coronary artery disease and guiding treatment plans tailored to each patient.

The investment reinforces Piedmont Healthcare’s commitment to improving the health and well‑being of the communities it serves. By expanding access to advanced cardiac diagnostics in Blairsville, Piedmont continues to deliver on its promise of high-quality, patient-centered, compassionate care backed by innovation and collaboration.

Strengthening care close to home

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Georgia, making timely, accurate cardiac testing essential. The new MyoSPECT camera reduces travel burdens for patients by providing cutting-edge imaging capability locally — allowing for faster detection, earlier intervention, and improved outcomes across the community.

The new system is now fully operational at Piedmont Heart of Blairsville.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit piedmont.org/heart.