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.

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion
ADP offers care teams multiple benefits not seen with traditional wire-based physiologic assessments. A roundtable of 17 expert clinicians discussed the topic at length, and their findings were used to develop a new manuscript published in JSCAI.
FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported
There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.
Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M
Medtronic has held a minority investment in CathWorks for several years, and the two organizations entered into a co-promotion agreement in 2022. Once finalized, the move will increase Medtronic's presence in the cath lab.
Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market
New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.
Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification
The new certification is focused on the importance of high-quality care and real-world patient outcomes. It will be based on the same data care teams already submit if they participate in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, ACC CathPCI Registry or STS/ACC TVT Registry.

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion

ADP offers care teams multiple benefits not seen with traditional wire-based physiologic assessments. A roundtable of 17 expert clinicians discussed the topic at length, and their findings were used to develop a new manuscript published in JSCAI.

The Impella RP with SmartAssist. Image courtesy of Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported

There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.

artificial intelligence money finance acquisition

Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M

Medtronic has held a minority investment in CathWorks for several years, and the two organizations entered into a co-promotion agreement in 2022. Once finalized, the move will increase Medtronic's presence in the cath lab.

New data from the Phase 3 RAPID clinical trial of etripamil, an investigational calcium channel blocker nasal spray, showed positive results in converting paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to normal sinus rhythm in the at-home setting. The presentation was featured during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2022 Scientific Sessions. #AHA22

Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market

New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.

Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification

The new certification is focused on the importance of high-quality care and real-world patient outcomes. It will be based on the same data care teams already submit if they participate in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, ACC CathPCI Registry or STS/ACC TVT Registry.

FDA clears AI software for heart murmur detection with digital stethoscopes

eMurmer's new Heart AI software was designed to detect both the presence and absence of heart murmurs in digital stethoscope recordings. It can also gather critical hemodynamic data, helping care teams gain a better understanding of the patient's cardiovascular health.

Routine MRI measurements as accurate as invasive testing for heart failure

New findings suggest that measurements of blood oxygen acquired via T2 mapping during routine MRI scans could provide the same information on heart health as catheterization procedures.

Imagers reviewing flurpiridaz F-18 (Flyrcado) myocardial perfusion PET images. Image from GE Healthcare

ASNC says PET is now the preferred nuclear imaging test for CAD

Which imaging modality is better for evaluating heart patients, PET or SPECT? After years of discussions and debates, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is now ready to point to PET as the No. 1 choice. “There are no clinical scenarios or patient subgroups where cardiac PET with myocardial blood flow should be excluded," the group wrote.