Diagnostics Department

ECG Department

Top
 

This department records an electrocardiogram of all those patients who visit Punjab Institute of Cardiology. ECG is a strip of graphic produced by an electrocardiograph, which records the electrical voltage in the heart in the form of a continuous strip graph· It is the prime tool in cardiac electrophysiology, and has a prime function in screening and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.

This department works round the clock in emergency ward while in OPD, it works from 08:00am to 12pm in working days.

This unit is equipped with 3-channel ECG machines both in OPD and Emergency departments. In Emergency Department, ECG is free of cost for all cardiac patients. While in OPD, its fee is subject to patient categorization.

 

ETT Department

Top
 

Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) is used to measure the heart's response to exercise (also known as a stress test). The department is functioning in new OPD building with 05 latest machines under the supervision of qualified and experienced doctors. Complete backup support for admission / treatment is available in case of any emergency during ETT.

 

Echo Department

Top
 

Echocardiogram is a noninvasive cardiac imaging procedure used to diagnose heart disease, valve disorders and weakened heart muscle. Echocardiography department is working with 08 Color Doppler machines. All modalities of Echocardiography such as Transthoracic Echo, Transesophageal Echo, Contrast Echo, Stress Echo and Carotid Doppler studies are being performed. The facility of echocardiography is available in the morning and evening for OPD patient and round the clock for emergency and indoor patients. Post Graduate trainees and Diploma students are being trained in the department on routine basis. All consultants and trained doctors are provided the opportunity to do echo of their patients. There are two dedicated Echo sessions for Paediatric Congenital Diseases per week. On an average 150 to 160 Echocardiography tests are being done daily.

 

Nuclear Medicine Department

Top
 

A Nuclear Cardiac Scan, often called a Thallium Scan, is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a tiny amount of radioactive material to show how well blood flows to your heart muscle.

Our Nuclear Medicine Department conducts a complete range of nuclear medicine procedures using double-headed systems, including the Cor-Cam DDD Mantora Digonics and the SIEMENS E-Cam (Signature Series). To further elevate our diagnostic standards, the department is introducing a new Solid-State Gamma Camera (D-SPECT Cardio). This digital system represents a major leap forward compared to older analog models; by utilizing advanced CZT (Cadmium Zinc Telluride) sensors, it offers nearly ten times the sensitivity of traditional cameras. This allows for significantly faster scans, reducing patient time from twenty minutes to just a few, while providing higher-resolution images at lower radiation doses. This ensures both better clinical outcomes and a more comfortable experience for our patients.

 

The Hot Lab is also equipped with the latest isolator technology from America, and the department is run by a thoroughly trained academic and technical staff. A complete range of nuclear medicine procedures are carried out in this division, where more than 6,000 planar and SPECT studies are performed annually. The Nuclear Medicine Department is accredited by the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) in Nilore, Islamabad, for postgraduate training. The department is actively involved in clinical training and research, with a large number of original research works published in local and international journals.

Following services are being offered at Nuclear Medicine Department:

  • Stress/Rest Myocardial Perfusion Studies
  • Gated SPECT for Perfusion and Function
  • Myocardial Viability Studies
  • Infarct Avid Imaging
  • Pyrophosphate Scans for Amyloidosis
  • MUGA Scans for LV/RV function First Pass Study for shunt analysis Lung
  • Perfusion/Ventilation Scans
  • Thyroid Scan
  • Parathyroid Scans
   
 

Angiography Department

Top
 

Department of Cardiac Catheterization & Interventional Cardiology includes 5 state-of-the-art Catheterization Laboratories and offers the latest in heart disease diagnostic procedures to patients. Performing both inpatient and outpatient studies, we do more than 16,000 procedures per year. These procedures are done by both the traditional femoral (leg) approach and the radial (wrist) approach. Diagnostic catheterization is the primary procedure performed in the laboratories which, depending on the patient's situation, may lead to one or more of a variety of interventional options. Interventional services offered to patients include coronary angioplasty, intracoronary stenting, and valvuloplasty. Prompt surgical backup from our world-class surgical team is available for all procedures, though seldom necessary.

 

The department specializes in non-surgical interventions to treat diseases of the coronary and peripheral arteries. Its physicians offer a premier program providing the latest techniques to open or clear blockages in the coronary and peripheral arteries, such as balloon angioplasty with Stents.

Angiography Labs perform following procedures:

  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention(PCI) with balloon and stent implantation
  • Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting (Carotid, Renal, Lower Limb)
  • Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC)
  • Pulmonary and Aortic Valvuloplasty
  • PDA and ASD Closure with different devices
  • Treatment of Coarctation of Aorta with balloon and stent
 

Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CT)

Top
 

Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Department was established in 2008. The department is equipped with state of the art GE Lightspeed VCT 64 slice CT scanner with 0.35 sec rotation time for cardiovascular imaging in adults and children. The system is optimally configured for coronary, cerebral and peripheral angiography in addition to performing all type of general CT studies. About 1500 cardiac and non cardiac studies are performed annually in the department.

 

Radiology Department

Top
 

The Radiology Department at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Lahore serves as an essential pillar in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases. Equipped with stat-of –the-art imaging modalities including digital X-ray, fluoroscopy, multi-slice CT, and MRI the department provides precise and non-invasive diagnostic solution for a wide range condition.

The radiology department has a rich history, marked by significant milestones. It was inaugurated by CM Punjab in1988, laying the foundation for a state-of-the art diagnostic facility. Over the year, the department has continued to evolve, with notable developments including the establishment of an outpatient department (OPD) in 2019, enhancing patient care and accessibility. Additionally, computed Tomography (CT) scans were introduced in 2010 which was upgraded to 640 Slice CT machine in 2019, significantly improving the department’s diagnostic services. The same year, the department was further upgraded with the introduction of magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) technology, allowing for more advance diagnostic capabilities. These advancements have collectively contributed to the department’s growth and its ability to provide comprehensive radiological services.

The radiology department at Punjab institute of Cardiology (PIC) is led by an experienced Head with over three decades of clinical and teaching experience. She excels in training, research, and patient care, and has served as an examiner for MCPS, FCPS, MD, DMRD, & MIT. Under her leadership, the department has advanced in diagnostic imaging, training, research, and online reporting.

 

SERVICES PROVIDED BY RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

The Department offers 24/7 patient care, including daily OPD services, inpatient imaging, and portable X-rays/USG in ICU, HDU, and wards. Interventional procedures (USG/CT-guided) are available during working hours. Imaging modalities include conventional/ digital X-rays, 640-slice CT (angiography and 3D imaging), 3T MRI, fluoroscopy, grey-scale and Doppler ultrasound and interventional radiology. Annually, about 500,000 patients are served with efficient, tier-based reporting and minimal wait times in a radiation-safe environment. The Department affiliated with CPS and UHS, recognized for FCPS and MD training, and offers a supportive learning environment with WI-FI-enable library and computer room. Department of Diagnostic Radiology is a state of the art center making its patient institute proud and endorsing is commitment towards providing the best possible diagnostic services to the patient.

  •  
  •  

ACHIVEMENTS OF THE RADIOLOG DEPARTMENT

  1. Up gradation of radiology equipment (Up gradation of X-Ray, CT & MRI Machine)
  2. Online Reporting (on PITB Since March 2025)
  3. Successful Visit by Health Care Commission (HCC) (Pictorial Evidence Attached)
  4. CPD of consultants (EDIR and CHPE) done by all consultants
  5. Implementation of  DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) & Mini-CEX (Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise), WPBA (Work Place Based Assessment) ( Pictorial Evidence Attached)
  6. Morning Classes, journal club and synopsis Discussions (Pictorial Evidence Attached)
  7. Training of para-Medics in PIC (Pictorial Evidence Attached)
  8. Promotion of Research and Article Writing
  9. Workshops (Ultrasound and Article Writing
  10. Successful completion of post-graduate training of 13 students since 2016.
 
     

Working Hours

General Radiological Services are provided 24 hours, round the clock, 07days a week, throughout the year. Specialized Procedures & Ultrasonography is carried out on appointment, during morning hours from 9:00am - 3:00pm daily, except Sundays & scheduled holidays.

 

Pathology Department

Top
 

Pathology Department of PIC. headed by Professor of Pathology with best equipped Laboratory is the first ISO Certified Lab in Public Sector hospitals. All pathological tests relevant to the cardiac patients are conducted here. Services remain open round the clock. Pathology Lab is participating in the UK based External Quality Assurance Program (RIQAS). A number of latest machines have been added which include automatic analyzer, hematology analyzer, blood gas analyzer etc. On average 700-800 patients samples are examined per day. To facilitate the private patients a pathology collection center has been established outside PIC building. The Pathology Laboratory has infrastructure for all tests required for cardiac patients.

 

Electrophysiology Department

Top
 

Electrophysiology Department
The Electrophysiology (EP) Department is dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation and management of cardiac rhythm disorders. An EP study is an advanced diagnostic procedure that records the heart’s electrical activity and precisely maps abnormal conduction pathways responsible for arrhythmias.
Our state-of-the-art Electrophysiology Laboratory specializes in identifying and treating complex and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias that may not be detectable through conventional diagnostic methods. We offer a full spectrum of advanced procedures, including Permanent Pacemaker implantation, Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) placement, and radiofrequency ablation.
These cutting-edge therapies have significantly transformed the management of cardiac arrhythmias, providing effective, minimally invasive solutions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Our Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology Department provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for heart rhythm disorders using minimally invasive techniques and advanced 3D electroanatomical mapping systems such as CARTO. An Electrophysiology (EP) study is a specialized procedure that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart to accurately identify abnormal rhythms and guide targeted treatment. We manage a wide range of conditions including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, bradyarrhythmias, and heart block. Our services include radiofrequency and cryoablation, permanent pacemaker implantation, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Procedures are performed by experienced specialists under local anesthesia or sedation, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and rapid recovery. 

Our center achieves high success rates in line with international standards, with excellent procedural outcomes and a strong focus on patient safety. With advanced technology, a highly trained team, and a commitment to evidence-based care, we deliver precise, effective, and patient-centered treatment for even the most complex arrhythmias.