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.

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate 

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

April 18, 2022
A view showing the close relationship between the mitral and aortic valves and how the overhang of a longer TAVR valve in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) may cause friction near the mitral valve. Image from a mitral echo assessment using Siemens eSie Valves software at ACC22.

The latest data on mitral valve infective endocarditis after TAVR

Self-expanding heart valves and the presence of significant PVL were both linked to a heightened risk of mitral valve infective endocarditis after TAVR. 

April 14, 2022
virtual reality endovascular surgery in the cath lab. The virtual reality training sessions were designed to feature "the same sights, sound and sensations a surgeon would encounter during real procedures ." 

Virtual reality specialists launch new training solutions for endovascular surgery

The virtual reality training sessions were designed to feature "the same sights, sound and sensations a surgeon would encounter during real procedures." 

April 14, 2022
 Drug-coated balloons were associated with a lower risk of bleeding after PCI than drug-eluting stents, the study's authors reported. 

Drug-coated balloons comparable to drug-eluting stents when PCI patients have a high bleeding risk

Drug-coated balloons were associated with a lower risk of bleeding after PCI than drug-eluting stents, the study's authors reported. 

April 13, 2022
In a late-breaking long-term analysis presented at ACC 2022, the Medtronic CoreValve TAVR valve outperformed the surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in terms of durability.

VIDEO: TAVR durability outperforms surgical valves

Michael J. Reardon, MD, professor of cardiothoracic surgery and Allison Family Distinguished chair of cardiovascular research at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, presented pooled data at ACC.22 from the CoreValve SURTAVI trials that found transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was more durable than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) devices.

April 13, 2022
Fitbit’s new algorithm for identifying signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been cleared by the FDA. The photoplethysmography (PPG) algorithm was designed to passively evaluate a user’s heart rhythm while they are still or sleeping.

Fitbit’s latest AFib algorithm receives FDA clearance, will be available ‘soon’

The new algorithm was designed to evaluate a user's heart rhythm while they are still or even sleeping. 

April 12, 2022
Adam Greenbaum, MD, Emory, explains the CLASP TR trial of the Pascal clip device for transcatheter repair, which was a late-breaking ACC22 study.

VIDEO: Pascal effective in transcatheter repair of tricuspid valve regurgitation

Adam Greenbaum, MD, co-director of the Structural Heart and Valve Center at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, explains details from the late-breaking CLASP TR trial at ACC.22.

April 12, 2022
Several ACC 2022 late-breaking trials may have impacts on clinical practice for interventional cardiology and structural heart. One trial compared FFR vs. IVUS guided PCI for intermediate coronary lesions. Photos by Dave Fornell

Key interventional cardiology takeaways from ACC.22

Several late-breaking clinical trials at ACC.22 will likely impact clinical practice. Below are summaries of a few key trials and their takeaways for interventional cardiology and structural heart interventions. 

April 11, 2022

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup