Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute launches Minnesota’s first mobile cardiac PET/CT imaging service

MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 02, 2026) — Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute today launched Minnesota's first mobile cardiac PET/CT imaging service, expanding access to advanced cardiac imaging and specialized cardiovascular diagnostics. The mobile unit brings specialized cardiovascular diagnostics closer to patients in multiple Minnesota communities.

Locations 

The mobile cardiac PET/CT unit opened to patients in Plymouth today at Allina Health Abbott Northwestern – WestHealth. The unit will serve Plymouth on Mondays, New Ulm on Tuesdays and Cambridge on Wednesdays. As the program expands, additional locations will be added. Non-mobile cardiac PET/CT imaging is also available at Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis and Allina Health Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

About cardiac PET/CT

Cardiac PET/CT combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging to provide detailed information about blood flow to the heart muscle and overall heart health. The technology can help detect coronary artery disease, evaluate blood-flow abnormalities and distinguish damaged heart tissue from viable heart muscle. Each scan can be performed in about 30 minutes and may be ordered when patients: 

• Have coronary artery disease (known or suspected), a heart infection or a diseased heart muscle
• Require advanced assessment of blood flow
• Need follow-up imaging as part of ongoing cardiac care
• Cannot adequately exercise for traditional stress testing

“Patients should not have to travel far for advanced cardiac imaging," said William Katsiyiannis, MD, president, Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute. "By bringing PET/CT imaging to multiple communities, this mobile service helps us meet growing demand and makes specialized cardiac care easier for patients to access closer to home.”

The mobile unit and imaging equipment are provided through a partnership with Shared Medical Services. Patient care, imaging operations, clinical oversight and program management are provided by Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute and Allina Health care team members.

“We are proud to help Allina Health bring advanced cardiac imaging to more communities in a convenient setting,” said Ellen Ask, Regional Vice President, Shared Medical Services. "This mobile service pairs specialized technology with local access so more patients can receive the imaging they need near where they live or work."

The new mobile service builds on Allina Health's previous investments in mobile care – including Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute's mobile echocardiogram unit, plus Allina Health Cancer Institute's mobile mammography and lung cancer screening units. Together, these services bring advanced imaging closer to patients, including those who live in rural or regional communities.

Appointments for the mobile cardiac PET/CT imaging unit are available by referral only. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or cardiology specialist to determine if a scan is appropriate and obtain a referral. Learn more about Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute at allinahealth.org/minneapolis-heart-institute.