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.

FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots
The new-look catheter came out of a medical device incubator started by entrepreneur Eitan Konstantino, PhD, who has years of experience in the vascular space.
American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care
Pharmacists interact with patients on a regular basis and are seen as a trusted source of health information. Can they help cardiologists improve care for AFib patients?
AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required
Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.
2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life
Stroke is typically seen as the biggest danger for patients after they receive an AFib diagnosis. This study, however, suggests heart failure could be an even bigger threat.
Cardiologists make history, perform first-ever transcaval TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation
The 65-year-old male patient presented with a long medical history and many comorbidities, making surgery too risky.

The Linq and Linq II implantable cardiac monitors at ACC22.

VIDEO: How to implant a Linq implantable cardiac monitor

The Medtronic Linq and Linq II implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) have become some of the most popular ICM devices on the market, partly because they are easy to insert.

April 28, 2022

Illustration of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure using a Watchman device. Image courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine. #LAA #LAAO

Same-day discharge after LAAO associated with strong outcomes, significant cost savings

A new analysis found that 30-day outcomes do not significantly change when LAAO patients go home the same day as their procedure.

April 28, 2022

The Medtronic Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve on display at ACC 2022. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Medtronic is recalling the delivery catheter from its Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system due to a risk of the piece breaking during use.

Medtronic recalls Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve's delivery catheter after multiple complaints, 1 injury

Customers have been asked to return all unused devices and pause any new clinical trials involving the Harmony TPV.

April 27, 2022

4 support catheters receive FDA clearance for coronary use

The catheters were developed to be used during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for coronary artery disease.

April 21, 2022

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) is asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use software provision mandate, which physicians say is an obstacle to efficient care.

VIDEO: Imaging societies ask Congress to repeal appropriate use decision support mandate

Randall Thompson, MD, immediate past president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), explains the current ASNC lobbying efforts.

April 21, 2022

A figure from the 2022 CAD non-invasive imaging guidelines showing a comparison of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and a SPECT-CT vs. an invasive angiogram from the cath lab showing the same blockage in a coronary artery.

New multi-society recommendations highlight role of non-invasive imaging in evaluating coronary artery disease

A new, multi-society document, "Non-Invasive Imaging in Coronary Syndromes," focuses on how multiple imaging techniques can evaluate different aspects of coronary artery disease (CAD), all without the need for invasive angiograms.

April 21, 2022

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is an accurate, noninvasive imaging test that should be a first-line tool when treating patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), rather than cath lab angiography angiograms, according to new findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1]

Why cardiologists and radiologists are choosing cardiac CT over invasive angiography for suspected CAD

"A CT-first strategy allows physicians to provide relevant findings without the need for an invasive procedure," one radiologist explained.

April 20, 2022

PHOTO GALLERY: Duly Health adopts outpatient cardiac CT as a standard of care

Duly Health and Care in suburban Chicago recently opened a new outpatient cardiac evaluation center equipped with a dedicated cardiac CT system, which will likely be a new business model that will be seen more in the coming years.

April 20, 2022

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

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What does radiology have to do with climate change?

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."

Cardiac Imaging

FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots

American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life

Cardiologists make history, perform first-ever transcaval TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation

Around the web