Features

New Data Underscore Importance of Looking for HCM Before Scheduling TAVR

Reported in 2018 by anesthesiologists at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, the case suggested a message to TAVR operators: “Vigilance and a high degree of suspicion” are critical for avoiding the potentially severe hemodynamic consequences of HCM associated with aortic stenosis, the authors asserted (J Med Case Rep 2018;18;12[1]:372).

Board Certification Brouhaha: Rads Cry Foul Over ABR’s Ways and Means

At the American College of Radiology’s 2019 meeting last May, speaker after speaker stepped up to the open microphone in the ballroom of a Washington, D.C., hotel to vent their displeasure with the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and its maintenance of certification (MOC) program.

COVID or Not, Big Money is Buying Radiology Practices. Should Yours Be Selling?

Ahead of print in Radiology Business Journal: As private medical practices continue feeling the squeeze of consolidation across U.S. healthcare, many radiology groups are considering acquisition offers from physician practice management companies (PPMCs).

Seeing the Future–in 3D: New CPT Codes Set the Stage for Expanding 3D Printing in Cardiology

Until recently, cardiologists’ eyes tended to glaze over at the mention of using 3D printing in their practices. Most believed the costs would be too high for routine use, that the applications and the price tag were better suited to academic applications.

Data Dilemma: Taming Healthcare’s Beautiful Beast

To get the operational perspective, CVB hosted a roundtable discussion with service line leaders about the opportunities and challenges they encounter around data.

90 Days a Dyad (or Triad): Strategies for Success & Errors to Avoid in the Crucial Early Days of Partnership

Experienced dyad and triad partners share tips for setting the stage for success and putting the brakes on mistakes.

New Take on Transplant: Reconsidering Hepatitis C-infected Hearts for Donation

As many as 700 hearts from donors with hepatitis C are discarded each year in the U.S. New research suggests at least some of these organs may be suitable for transplant.

Pop Goes the Pillbox: Will Polypharmacy Problems Limit the Adoption of SGLT2 Inhibitors?

Following data supporting their use for heart failure and type 2 diabetes, will sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors find a spot in the heart failure armamentarium?

Seeing the Big Picture: Training Today’s Imagers to ‘Think Multimodality’

Cardiologists are receiving more exposure to different imaging modalities during their fellowships, but their job prospects and training vary widely. A more comprehensive and multimodality training approach could lead to better results.

Enterprise PACS packs the punch when it doubles as a VNA too

There is no doubt that vendor neutral archives (VNAs) have gained favor over the last several years in managing medical images. But there is some debate over whether hospitals really need both a VNA and a PACS. If PACS can do double duty as VNA and PACS, why do you need both? As we see it, you don’t, as long as you have a true enterprise PACS and here’s why.

Teaming Up to Treat Pulmonary Emboli: Clotbusters Illustrates Potential of Coordinated Response Programs

At one hospital, an aggressive treatment PE treatment program has dramatically reduced mortality.

Same-day discharge for TAVR marks new procedural milestone

One morning last year, a patient checked into a hospital in Canada as the first TAVR case of the day, and they were discharge by that evening. It was an eyebrow-raising feat for a procedure that typically requires several days of hospitalization.

Around the web

Health Exec

CDC vaccine committee issues new guidance for COVID-19 shots

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all Americans six months and older consult a clinician before deciding to get a COVID vaccine, ending the pandemic-era policy that broadly encouraged getting the inoculation.

Cardiovascular Business

Oral semaglutide linked to significant weight loss as Novo Nordisk awaits FDA approval

An oral version of the popular GLP-1 drug was associated with multiple benefits, including considerable improvements in BMI and waist circumference. Previous research found that it reduces certain heart risks in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Business

Stroke risk much higher for TAVR patients with carotid artery stenosis

Screening TAVR patients for CAS may provide significant value, according to a new meta-analysis of 15 different studies.