Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

An example of HeartFlow's FFR-CT technology, which takes the cardiac CT dataset and uses computational fluid dynamics to create virtual fraction flow reserve values. The FFR measurement can help determine if a coronary lesion is significant enough to require revascularization, or if the patient should be treated with medication. FFR-CT was included as a recommendation in select patients in the 2021 Chest Pain Guidelines.

Researchers question FFR-CT’s value compared to other cardiac imaging options

FFR-CT has grown in popularity due its ability to provide noninvasive evaluations of patients being considered for revascularization procedures. According to a new study in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, however, stress imaging strategies may still provide more value in certain scenarios. 

May 10, 2023
New research presented at the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery examined the lack of diversity seen among this important specialty. 

Exploring diversity, compensation among academic cardiothoracic surgeons

New research presented at the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery examined the lack of diversity seen in this important specialty. 

May 8, 2023
AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

ChatGPT shows ‘remarkable ability’ to process thoracic surgery data, could help with training and patient care

A research lab led by a veteran cardiothoracic surgeon found that ChatGPT—particularly the GPT-4 model—could 'potentially revolutionize' training in the years ahead. 

May 5, 2023
Cardiologists employed by a hospital appear to be more likely to pursue cardiac catheterization or angioplasty than independent cardiologists. female physician male

Fewer stress tests, more high-risk procedures: How working at a hospital influences cardiologists

Cardiologists employed by a hospital appear to be more likely to pursue cardiac catheterization or angioplasty than independent cardiologists.

May 4, 2023
A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

Is TAVR too common among younger, low-risk patients? 2 experts share their concerns

Two experienced TAVR specialists—Sachin Goel, MD, and Michael Reardon, MD—examined the growing trend of younger, low-risk patients being recommended for TAVR over SAVR.

May 2, 2023
Doctor patient

Medtronic’s Endurant stent graft system for EVAR linked to strong 10-year outcomes

Researchers examined 10-year follow-up data from approximately 400 EVAR patients, sharing their findings at the 2023 Charing Cross Symposium in London.

April 27, 2023
Large peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are incredibly rare and not associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes, according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.[1] Smaller residual links are more common, however, and associated with a risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.

American College of Cardiology shares new HFpEF recommendations as cases continue to rise

HFpEF now accounts for a majority of heart failure cases, highlighting the importance of ensuring both primary care providers and dedicated heart teams know as much about this topic as possible. 

April 21, 2023
The Medtronic Evolut TAVR valve on display at ACC.22.

Redo TAVR appears feasible for most patients with supra-annular, self-expanding Evolut valves

Researchers evaluated data from more than 200 patients who underwent redo TAVR, noting that women and patients with a higher BMI faced a higher risk of coronary flow compromise.

April 20, 2023

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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