Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

Aetna covers AI-powered coronary plaque assessments, joining other major insurers
This news follows similar announcements from Humana, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare; a majority of insured Americans can now be treated with these technologies and have the procedure covered by their provider.
Trump regrets undergoing CT to evaluate heart health—cardiologist still baffled by his aspirin use
President Trump, 79, says he is still in excellent health. He also has no intention of cutting down on the high dose of aspirin he takes each day.
Cardiology’s biggest trend: New scientific statements take on AI-powered coronary plaque evaluations
The ACC and AHA both issued new statements on noninvasive CCTA offerings that use advanced AI to evaluate patients with suspected CAD. These technologies have gained significant momentum in recent years, and experts agree that they represent a game-changing advancement in the world of cardiovascular imaging.
Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE
Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.
AI-powered FFR-CT software linked to considerable cost savings, accurate predictions
According to Heartflow, its AI offering saves health systems nearly $1,400 per patient thanks to reductions in unnecessary cardiovascular testing.

Aetna covers AI-powered coronary plaque assessments, joining other major insurers

This news follows similar announcements from Humana, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare; a majority of insured Americans can now be treated with these technologies and have the procedure covered by their provider.

Trump regrets undergoing CT to evaluate heart health—cardiologist still baffled by his aspirin use

President Trump, 79, says he is still in excellent health. He also has no intention of cutting down on the high dose of aspirin he takes each day.

Cardiology’s biggest trend: New scientific statements take on AI-powered coronary plaque evaluations

The ACC and AHA both issued new statements on noninvasive CCTA offerings that use advanced AI to evaluate patients with suspected CAD. These technologies have gained significant momentum in recent years, and experts agree that they represent a game-changing advancement in the world of cardiovascular imaging.

Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE

Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.

AI-powered FFR-CT software linked to considerable cost savings, accurate predictions

According to Heartflow, its AI offering saves health systems nearly $1,400 per patient thanks to reductions in unnecessary cardiovascular testing.

Reimbursement expected to drive implementation of CCTA, coronary plaque analysis

For years, imaging experts have predicted that CCTA may become the primary imaging modality for coronary artery disease and eliminate the need for invasive diagnostic catheterizations. That prediction is now coming true.

Siemens Healthineers software Syngo.CT Coronary Cockpit

Siemens Healthineers unveils new AI-powered CCTA software

The new software, announced at RSNA 2025 in Chicago, was built to evaluate CCTA images for signs of coronary artery disease and improve cath lab efficiency.

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) is seeing major progress in its long-running push to secure broad reimbursement for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled coronary CT angiography (CCTA) plaque analysis. According to Roosha Parikh, MD, FACC, FSCCT, associate director of Cardiac CT at St. Francis Heart Hospital, Long Island, New York, and a member of the SCCT Health Policy and Practice Committee, both Medicare and a growing number of private insurers are now covering the technology.

Reimbursement for AI-based plaque assessments is improving

A growing number of private insurers are now covering these advanced technologies. Roosha Parikh, MD, told Cardiovascular Business that the hard work of SCCT and other groups has helped make this happen.