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.

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with coronary artery disease.

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s new drug-coated balloon for coronary in-stent restenosis

Interventional cardiologists have been anticipating this news for quite some time. The device, the first of its kind, provides an alternative treatment option to repeat PCI or cardiac surgery for patients with coronary ISR.

March 1, 2024
Nauman Mushtaq, MD, Northwestern Medicine, explains the value of CT coronary calcium scoring for patients and for the cardiology business model.

The many benefits of using low-cost CT coronary calcium scoring to screen patients

CT calcium scoring provides valuable evaluations of intermediate-risk patients in addition to making good business sense for hospitals. Nauman Mushtaq, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Northwestern, shared his own experience with this technology. 

March 1, 2024
healthcare business deal

Cardiologists partner with imaging AI specialists to improve care for high-risk heart patients

The new collaboration is designed to ensure patients who may face an increased risk of heart disease receive the follow-up care they need.

February 29, 2024
Biosense Webster gained CE mark approval for its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in Europe

Biosense Webster gains CE mark approval for new PFA system

The news represents yet another big regulatory approval for PFA technology in 2024. Could FDA approval be next for Biosense Webster?

February 29, 2024
A diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal due to low blood supply from peripheral artery disease (PAD), and the before and after interventional angiograms of the patient's revascularization treatment. Images courtesy of Foluso Fakorede, MD

Experts hope improved PAD awareness can lead to fewer leg amputations

Nearly 80% of Black and Hispanic adults said they never discussed PAD with a doctor, which vascular experts say is a major problem.

February 28, 2024
Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Cardiologist at heart of TAVR controversy loses hospital privileges due to ‘disruptive,’ ‘inexplicable’ behavior

The doctor appealed the hospital's decision in hopes of returning to work, but that appeal was ultimately denied. 

February 28, 2024
Image of the Royal Philips Azurion neuro biplane system

Philips announces new Azurion update focused on improving care for stroke patients

According to Philips, this latest update makes the Azurion image-guided therapy platform more efficient than ever.

February 27, 2024
Joseph Swicklik, RT, Mayo Clinic, demonstrates how to use magic to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams.

Using 'magic' to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams

Joseph Swicklik, RT(R)(CT), Mayo Clinic, says magic tricks can help calm pediatric patients to overcome anxiety and make medical imaging exams run much smoother.

February 26, 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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