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.

When Apple previewed its watchOS 9 update in early June, one of the key features the company highlighted was a new tracking option for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients. The AFib History feature, approved for patients 22 years and older who have been diagnosed with AFib, was designed to help users gain a better understanding of their symptoms and easily share data with healthcare providers.

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.

May 2, 2024
PCI interventional cardiology. The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients. 

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients. 

May 2, 2024
Cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists in China have completed the very first-in-man robot-assisted transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). It was guided entirely with echo and completed in less than 40 minutes in China. (A)Three-compartment of robotic transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system.

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

May 2, 2024
Abbott's Espirit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold gained U.S. FDA approval in April 2024. It is based on the former Abbott Absorb coronary stent, but indicated for use in peripheral artery lesions below the knee (BTK).

FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries

The bioresorbable stent, examined at length for the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, stays in place for up to three years before completely dissolving. 

April 29, 2024
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 findings 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

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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