Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

Biosense Webster updates 3D heart mapping software with advanced AI models
The update includes multiple new algorithms designed to improve efficiency during cardiac ablation procedures.
AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation
The combination of AI and CT helped Nehal Mehta, MD, and colleagues track the performance of a new drug designed to target coronary inflammation.
Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices
Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.
Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology
The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients.
Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER
A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

The Heart Rhythm Society announces Dr. Hugh Calkins as the organization’s 35th president

Hugh Calkins, MD, FHRS, CCDS, was named the president of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) during the 34th Annual Scientific Sessions, held in Denver last week. Announced during the Presidents’ Reception on Friday, May 10th, Dr. Calkins now serves as the 35th president of HRS, making Anne M. Gillis, MD, FHRS, the immediate past president. Dr. Calkins is currently a Nicholas J. Fortuin Professor of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.

May 13, 2013

HRS: 7% of S-ICD patients inappropriately shocked

Seven percent of patients implanted with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs) experienced inappropriate shocks, according to an analysis of registry data presented May 9 at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) scientific sessions in Denver.

May 10, 2013

HRS: Watchman bumps out warfarin in PROTECT AF

The Watchman wait may be over. An analysis of long-term data found the Watchman left atrial appendage closure device to be superior to warfarin for primary efficacy and mortality.

May 9, 2013

HRS: Registry data point to shortfall in anticoagulant therapy

Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were less likely to receive guideline recommended anticoagulation therapy compared with persistent AF patients. The analysis presented May 8 at the Heart Rhythm Society scientific sessions in Denver included registry data on more than 62,000 patients.

May 9, 2013

Infinix-i System displays radiation dose exposure to improve patient safety

Providing clinicians real time data to optimize radiation dose management during cardiac procedures, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. introduces the FDA-cleared Dose Tracking System for InfinixTM-i cardiovascular X-ray. The Dose Tracking System visualizes X-ray emissions like never before through an easy-to-read color-coded display.

May 8, 2013

UltraSPECT partners with PharmaLogic to offer dose reduction solution

UltraSPECT, a leading provider of nuclear medicine (NM) image reconstruction technology that reduces radiopharmaceutical dose and acquisition time, announces their distribution agreement with PharmaLogic for the sale of UltraSPECT’s Cardiac and Bone imaging applications. The agreement will enable PharmaLogic to provide its hospitals and imaging centers with access to UltraSPECT’s Xpress line of products for significantly lower radiation dose with no diminished image quality. 

May 3, 2013

HRS: Societies share goals in joint sessions

Anne M. Gillis, MD, president of the Heart Rhythm Society and a professor at the University of Calgary, will co-chair a joint session on clinical registries on May 9 at Heart Rhythm 2013 in Denver. In a Q&A with Cardiovascular Business, she discussed the evolution of joint sessions and other program details.

April 26, 2013

Q&A: Contrast for Stress Echo

ASE members discuss recent changes to contrast enhanced stress echo.

April 26, 2013

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Cardiac Imaging

Biosense Webster updates 3D heart mapping software with advanced AI models

AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

Around the web