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.

View of an Amulet left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder on 4D intra-cardiac echo (ICE) from a GE NuVision ICE catheter. Since ICE is operated by the interventionalist, it can be used to reduce the number of people needed to perform an LAA occlusion procedure.  

New LAA occluder technology and the debate on echo vs. CT image guidance

At TVT 2022, there was debate whether CT imaging is needed for preplanning LAA procedures, and several new devices in development were discussed.

July 6, 2022

“We need an answer now”: Cardiologist awarded $2.3M to study cannabis use and heart health in people living with HIV

The four-year analysis will use cardiac MRI scans to closely monitor the heart health of people living with HIV who regularly use cannabis to treat their symptoms. 

July 6, 2022
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

AFib patients more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure or bleeding following TAVR

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, included data from more than 900 TAVR patients. Overall morality was 22.7% among patients with AFib and 14.4% among patients without AFib.

July 5, 2022
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center EP lab staff that performed the first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker implant at the hospital. From left is Mark Mascarenhas, MD, Toni Donovan RN, BSN, CVN; Tim StJean, R.N. trainee; Liz Bianchini RN; and Melissa D'Altilio, RN, with the Abbott Aveir DR pacemaker technology. #EPeeps #EPlab #Aveir

Leadless pacemaker technology moves toward dual-chamber pacing

Leadless pacemaker technology is expanding its ability to treat more patients with dual-chamber pacing.

July 5, 2022
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Biolimus-coated balloons can effectively treat small-vessel coronary artery disease, new first-in-human study confirms

Researchers compared the new-look drug coated balloon with an uncoated balloon, publishing their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

July 1, 2022
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Big private payer reverses course on cardiac PET/CT coverage

One of the largest private health insurers in the U.S. has gone from considering hybrid PET/CT for cardiac indications “experimental/investigational” to displaying willingness to pay for the modality. 

July 1, 2022

Judge says Apple violated ECG patents, making U.S. import ban of Apple Watches a possibility

A judge from the U.S. International Trade Commission has said Apple violated multiple AliveCor patents. This story, however, is far from over.

June 30, 2022
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AFib after surgery could be a warning sign of heart failure

Researchers studied data from more than three million patients, including approximately 76,000 who underwent heart surgery.

June 29, 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."

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