Thursday, October 1, 2026
Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital welcomed the addition of new cardiac imaging technology with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday — an investment designed to expand access to advanced heart imaging for patients in the South Shore and Southeast Queens communities.
A Siemens SOMATOM Pro.Pulse Dual Source CT scanner has been installed in its imaging department, making it the first hospital in the Northwell Health system to use that specific model. The hospital plans to begin performing cardiac CT exams in October.
“It's going to basically help us unlock any advanced CT imaging technology that we previously could not perform,” Sean Maraj, the hospital's director of imaging services, said. “Whether it's in cardiac CT or interventional radiology, it can ultimately lead to us performing some advanced procedures.”
Advanced cardiac CT imaging includes three-dimensional and other imaging views that can help identify artery blockages, calcium deposits, and potential problems involving the heart’s chambers, valves and aorta. The technology can be used for patients who meet criteria for cardiac CT, including some with unclear test results, chest pains or shortness of breath.
“We realized that our community was disproportionately affected by heart disease,” Maraj said. “That was really the primary driver for us in bringing this service to the South Shore, making this investment so we could better serve our patients here.”
The technology may also benefit patients with irregular heartbeats or high heart rates, as well as those who have difficulty complying with diagnostic imaging procedures.
According to Jason Tan, the hospital's president, LIJ Valley Stream has invested about $1 million in the technology, as part of an effort to respond to community needs and improve access to care. Hospital officials discovered that treating cardiovascular disease remains a significant need in the community, and the goal was to bring cardiac imaging closer to patients.
“The technology itself is cutting-edge,” Tan said. “This is now a tool that is being utilized more by cardiologists as a way to identify cardiac disease. So, in that sense, we're evolving with the times.”
Planning for the project took about a year. Hospital representatives traveled to Fort Myers, Florida, to evaluate the equipment before deciding it was appropriate for the Valley Stream facility. The construction portion of the project took about six months, while the earlier phase involved researching vendors and determining which technology clinicians would be comfortable using it.
The new scanner is not a replacement for existing equipment but represents an updated approach to evaluating patients, providing a noninvasive way for clinicians to examine the heart and coronary arteries for potential blockages.
Depending on the results, patients could then be advised what further steps to take, including additional diagnostic testing or, when necessary, more invasive procedures elsewhere in the health system.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages also supported bringing the technology to the hospital and recognized the importance of having the machine available in the community.
“When it comes to heart disease, early detection can make a tremendous difference,” Solages said. “I was proud to help facilitate this investment in advancing cardiac imaging at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, a significant step forward for our village and for families across the South Shore. This technology will empower physicians to improve care and save lives.”
The hospital’s goal is to provide a streamlined experience for patients, from scheduling and registration through imaging. Cardiac CT patients will be cared for by a team that includes a CT-specialized radiologic technologist, registered nurse and physician assistant.
The project also builds upon broader upgrades to the hospital’s imaging capabilities. The hospital has replaced its imaging equipment with newer technology in recent years, allowing it to provide more efficient imaging for emergency department, inpatient and outpatient services.
Identifying cardiovascular disease before it progresses could help patients receive appropriate care sooner and potentially prevent further cardiac damage, hospital officials said.
