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.

IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their research in JAMA Cardiology.

April 26, 2024
Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston West Virginia, as been using the FDA-cleared RoadMap artificial intelligence algorithm from HeartFlow in studies and in clinical used since it was cleared and said it helps cardiologists in several ways. #ACC #ACC24 #ACC2024 #Heartflow #AIhealth

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

April 26, 2024
Expanse ICE, a new healthcare technology company born out of the Expanse Medical medical device incubator, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its new-look catheter to treat blood clots in the peripheral arteries and veins.

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. 

April 25, 2024
pharmaceutical drug approval process

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? 

April 24, 2024
Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models can evaluate cardiovascular risk in routine chest CT scans without contrast, according to new research published in Nature Communications.[1] In fact, the authors noted, the AI approach may be more effective at identifying issues than relying on guidance from radiologists. Representative non-contrast CT slices for two patients (left), with super-imposed segmentations (right). One artificial intelligence (AI) model was used to segment a cardiac mask.

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. 

April 23, 2024
Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues. #longcovid

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.

April 18, 2024
TAVR JenaValve Trilogy Heart Valve System pure AR

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.

April 18, 2024
2024 has been a banner year for structural heart treatments, especially those focused on the tricuspid valve. In February, for example, Edwards Lifesciences made history when its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system became the first device of its kind to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Two months later, Abbott’s TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system also gained FDA approval for the treatment of TR.

Q&A: Interventional cardiologist details key breakthroughs in tricuspid valve replacement and repair

How have recent FDA approvals for Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott changed patient care? Andrew Rassi, MD, answered that question—and many more—in a new interview. 

April 18, 2024

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