Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography,  and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT. 

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
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
the words "FDA recall" on a board

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.  

April 17, 2024
For almost nine years since the adoption of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) established the requirement for appropriate use criteria (AUC) to receive payment for advanced diagnostic imaging, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) has lobbying Congressional leaders change or repeal AUC mandate. Those efforts have paid off in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, where AUC program has been paused and all of its regulations were rescinded. Photo by Dave Fornell.

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

April 8, 2024
GE Healthcare has announced the upcoming launch of new artificial intelligence (AI) software compatible with the company’s Vscan Air SL handheld ultrasound system.

GE Healthcare launching new AI software for handheld ultrasound system

The company's new AI offering, a product of its 2023 acquisition of Caption Health, will make its debut at ACC.24 in Atlanta.

April 3, 2024
commercial health insurance

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

April 3, 2024
Video interview with Tim Bateman, MD, co-director, cardiovascular radiologic imaging program, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and an American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) past-president, explaining the role of SPECT into the future as PET becomes more popular. A new look at PET vs SPECT.

SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology

"I see, at least for the next decade, this being a SPECT and PET world, not one or the other," explained Tim Bateman, MD.

March 26, 2024
Powering down angiography and fluoroscopy systems at night and on weekends could significantly reduce cardiology department energy bills, new study finds.Photo by Jose Arellano

Going green in the cath lab makes economic sense

New research explored the potential savings of turning off angiography systems at night and on weekends.

March 22, 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."

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