An article by Bloomberg News claims that the cath lab at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City has sent patients with previously scheduled appointments through its emergency department (ED), a practice that may allow for uninsured patients’ costs to be covered. The hospital has not been accused of any wrong-doing and hospital officials said they are reviewing issues related to the allegations.

A subcommittee of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) published a list of five treatments and procedures electrophysiologists should avoid in patients with arrhythmias. The five “don’ts” are available on the HRS website.

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) is now accepting applications for the 8th Annual Toshiba Young Investigator Awards (YIA). Underwritten by Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., the YIA supports the professional and clinical development of top radiology residents and cardiology fellows within five years of completing a training program.

The Arizona Heart Foundation enhanced its School of Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound by installing eight Toshiba AplioTM 500 ultrasound systems and one ViamoTM ultrasound to educate students with the most advanced technology. The school will use Toshiba’s ultrasound systems for its 18-month cardiovascular ultrasound program. The potential for research remains priority for the foundation as well as the school.

Sven Paulin, MD, PhD, a pioneer in coronary angiography and a founding fellow and past president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, died Jan. 10. The Boston Globe published this obituary.

Digisonics and Medis are proud to announce a partnership to provide a comprehensive single system solution for image analysis and structured reporting of pediatric and adult CV MR studies. The integrated system solution between Digisonics and Medis will result in a seamless, efficient MR workflow.

Rounding out a very successful year, Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE) reports they have reached record-breaking numbers of accreditation applications for cardiac cath labs in 2013. “Accreditation applications have more than doubled since 2012,” said Mary Heisler, RN, BA, ACE Executive Director. “More labs are realizing the importance of accountable metrics and know it’s time to get started on the quality journey with ACE.”