Rubidium Elution System Performance Testing

Rubidium is a newly approved nuclear medicine imaging drug or 'tracer' used to look at blood flow in the heart. This tracer is given using a special pump called an 'elution system' which is considered investigational. This means the device is not yet approved by Health Canada for general use, but it has been approved for use in this study. It has been used routinely in this hospital since 2010. The purpose of this study is to confirm proper operation of the pump. It may also help identify areas for future improvement. The study data may be used for safety reporting to the Ministry of Health or to Health Canada. The study will enroll 2,400 patients in 6 hospitals across Canada. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) will enroll up to 1,200 patients.