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.

Farapulse Boston Scientific Pulsed Field Ablation PFA fda approval

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s pulsed field ablation system for AFib

The FDA’s final decision was based largely on positive results from the ADVENT clinical trial, which compared treatment with the Farapulse PFA System to the current standard of care.

January 31, 2024
Jeremy Slivnick, MD, presents at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2023 meeting on how artificial intelligence (AI) can help make echocardiography better able to detect subtle signs of early cardiac amyloid disease when it is easier to treat with better outcomes. ssistant professor of medicine and an advanced cardiac imager at the University of Chicago.

AI models for cardiac amyloidosis could make a world of difference

Jeremy Slivnick, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about AI's potential to transform how cardiac amyloidosis is diagnosed and treated. 

January 30, 2024
Example of the Esolution device developed by S4 Medical being used during a radiofrequency ablation procedure. Image courtesy of Daoud et al.

New medical device helps cardiologists limit esophageal injuries during RF ablation procedures

Injuries to the esophagus remain a common complication associated with radiofrequency ablation procedures. New research suggests a device developed by S4 Medical could significantly reduce the risk of such injuries. 

January 30, 2024
Element Science Jewel Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (P-WCD)

New patch-based wearable defibrillator receives CE mark approval

The device, which also received Great Britain’s UKCA marking, was specifically designed to be less bulky and easier to wear than other wearable cardioverter-defibrillators.

January 26, 2024
money business cash flow dollar. Kingsway Financial Services, a Chicago-based holding company with subsidiaries in several industries, has acquired New Jersey-based Digital Diagnostics Imaging (DDI) for $11 million. The transaction was funded with $5.4 million in cash and $5.6 million in debt financing.

FFR-guided PCI linked to significant cost savings

Researchers tracked data from more than 500 PCI patients, exploring the cost-effectiveness and safety of multiple treatment options. 

January 25, 2024

HeartFlow’s AI-powered CAD offering receives new CPT code with improved reimbursement rate

For this update to be finalized, the American Medical Association had to determine FFRCT Analysis met certain requirements in terms of its overall impact on patient care. John Farquhar, CEO of HeartFlow, described the news as "a win for everyone involved, most notably patients." 

January 24, 2024
Overview of the Tootsie Roll technique for treating paravalvular leak in certain transcatheter heart valve patients. Tootsie Roll paravalvular leak transcatheter heart valves.

New ‘Tootsie Roll’ technique could help cardiologists treat PVL in transcatheter heart valves

Paravalvular leak remains a significant problem after TAVR, SAVR and even TMVR. Could a new-look interventional technique help heart teams overcome this issue and improve patient outcomes? 

January 24, 2024
Medicare data stethoscope healthcare trends graphs finance financials

An updated look at combining LAAO with ablation, TAVR or other interventional heart procedures

Performing two procedures at once does not appear to make a significant impact on patient safety, though it may lead to a few new risks sure to interest heart teams. 

January 23, 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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