Surgeons and biomedical engineers at the University of Minnesota collaborated to create an animated 3D model of the human heart based on computational technology and imaging techniques such as contrast CT. A demonstration of an anatomical reconstruction of the cardiac venous system and the process to make the models was published April 18 in the Journal of Visualized Experiments. To view the video, click here.

Cath/EP and interventional lab professionals wondering if their pay is competitive are being offered an objective measuring stick from a new research poll, Phoenix-based Springboard Healthcare announced.

SAN FRANCISCO—Heart disease is a serial killer that’s been stalking mankind for 4,000 years, according to research presented March 10 at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) scientific session and published concurrently online in The Lancet. CT imaging showed evidence of atherosclerosis in 35 percent of mummies from four ancient civilizations. The myth-busting Horus study suggests atherosclerosis may not be linked to modern lifestyles and diet.

PET with 11C-PIB provides a noninvasive method for visualizing amyloid deposits in the heart, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The researchers suggest that 11C-PIB eventually may be used in the clinical setting as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment follow-up method.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and GE Healthcare have teamed to provide a cardiovascular ultrasound training event for healthcare providers caring for underserved populations in rural northwest India.

Technological improvements in image acquisition and software processing in nuclear cardiology should allow physicians to shave patient imaging times dramatically or cut radiation doses fourfold, according to a new preferred practice statement from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC).

There is growing concern among cardiac sonographers about the amount of radiation exposure they experience on the job and few say their workplace has a formal policy to address radiation safety for sonographers, according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Echocardiography.

New for Heart Rhythm 2011, the Networked EP Lab will prepare electrophysiologists for the future of health information technology (HIT). Visitors will discover new processes and technologies to integrate into the EP Lab to optimize patient safety, outcomes and improve procedural management and outcomes.