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.

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.
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.
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.

Artificial intelligence automated measurements on an echocardiogram on the Siemens SyngoDynamics cardiovascular imaging and information solution. AI is helping speed workflows and complete tedious tasks faster and more accurately that humans, allowing sonographers and cardiologists to be more efficient. Photo by Dave Fornell

AI technologies to be featured heavily at ASE 2023

Artificial intelligence will be one of the hottest topics at the upcoming American Society of Echocardiography meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.

June 21, 2023

Photon-counting technology offers new opportunities in imaging high-risk CAD patients

Coronary CT angiography is commonly used to assess patients at low or intermediate risk of CAD but is less effective in high-risk patients with an increased presence of coronary calcifications and stents due to the “blooming” effect they have on imaging.

June 21, 2023

The Surmodics SurVeil drug-coated balloon to treat peripheral artery disease.

FDA approves next-gen DCB, earning the manufacturer a $27M payment from Abbott

The new-look DCB was designed to provide care with a significantly lower drug load than similar devices.

June 20, 2023

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

Heart damage after TAVR: Follow-up imaging helps cardiologists anticipate problems

While cardiac damage reverses in many patients following treatment, it can actually continue to get worse in others.

June 19, 2023

Abbott's TactiFlex flexible tip, force sensing ablation catheter (right), and its integration with the EnSite X EP mapping system (left) showing the distance from the last ablation. and the contact force during an AFib pulmonary vein isolation.

FDA clears first ablation catheter with flexible electrode tip, contact force sensing

Contact force-sensing catheters were developed to help overcome the issue of incomplete ablation lesions.

June 16, 2023

‘Notably high’ rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety seen in patients with implantable heart devices

"Psychologists have had little involvement in the care of cardiac patients but this needs to change," one researcher said in a statement.

June 16, 2023

Video of Jon Lindner explaining the use of ultrasound and bubble contrast for therapy.

Cardiac ultrasound could lead to key advances in heart attack care, drug delivery

Jonathan Lindner, MD, offers an update on the use of echocardiography and bubble contrast agents in a therapy role to help revascularize STEMI patients and increase drug and gene delivery.

June 15, 2023

The Pounce Thrombectomy System by Surmodics. The company just gained FDA clearance on a new version of the system for smaller arteries.

FDA clears new ‘grab-and-go’ interventional device for below-the-knee blood clot removal

The new device was designed to remove thrombi and emboli from peripheral arteries ranging from 2 to 4 mm.

June 14, 2023

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Cardiac Imaging

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

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

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

Around the web