Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound uses reflected sound waves (echos) to create images of anatomy inside the body. Echocardiograms are the primary cardiac imaging modality used to assess the heart and diagnose or track cardiac issues. Echo is the gold standard imaging modality to assess the heart, particularly with calculating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is a measure of cardiac output. In addition to noninvasive standard transthoracic echo (TTE), invasive transesophgeal echo (TEE) is also used when clearer, more detailed imaging of the heart is needed. Both 3D and 4D echo echo systems are rapidly gaining wider adoption and enable new types of assessments, especially in the structural heart space and in transcatheter procedural guidance. Find news on general ultrasound imaging.

FDA clears expanded use of AI that helps novice users perform echo exams
This update helps health systems get more value out of UltraSight's advanced AI technology—all without buying brand new ultrasound equipment.
ASE president outlines need to lead on AI, sustain echo workforce
ASE President David Wiener, MD, discussed his goals for 2026 in a new video interview. "The imager who doesn't use artificial intelligence will be replaced by the imager who does,” he said.
Healthcare advocacy in 2025: American Society of Echocardiography reviews a busy year
Healthcare policies have rapidly evolved in recent years, and 2025 was no exception. From payment policies to physician shortages, ASE and other medical societies had plenty to fight for throughout the year.
Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging
ASE President David Wiener detailed some of the many ways imaging societies need to adapt now that so many imagers are specializing in multiple modalities. It may be time to change how annual conferences are scheduled, for example, so that the costs of travel are easier to manage.
Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results
Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

Cardiologists make history, becoming first to use FDA-cleared retrieval device to remove a heart tumor

The historic procedure took approximately 30 minutes, and the patient went home that same day.

Moderate aortic stenosis linked to a significant risk of death—should earlier interventions be considered?

Researchers tracked data from more than 12,000 moderate AS patients who originally participated in one of 25 different studies. While the findings seem to suggest earlier treatment could be beneficial for certain high-risk patients, additional research is still required.

The Harmony pulmonary valve was among the devices involved with the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation program that gained more rapid market clearance. The FDA graph shows cardiovascular devices leading the types of devices involved in the program.

Cardiovascular devices lead FDA Breakthrough Device Designation program

The FDA said cardiovascular devices make up the largest number of technologies accepted into the Breakthrough Devices Program, and several are on the list of the first 50 in the program to gain market clearance.

Heartbeat Health Caption Health AI echocardiogram

Caption Health, Heartbeat Health partner to deliver AI-powered echocardiograms

Steve Cashman, Caption Health’s CEO, described the partnership as “an ideal coupling of patient-centric services.”

TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System P+F Products + Features GmbH

TricValve device proven safe and effective after 6 months for patients with severe symptomatic TR

The study's authors explored data from 35 patients who received the TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System. All patients presented with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Radiation exposure during structural heart procedures much higher for echocardiographers than cardiologists

The new analysis focused on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and left atrial appendage occlusion procedures.

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. These structural heart procedures require a team approach.

VIDEO: How to build a structural heart program

Charles Davidson, MD, clinical chief of cardiology and medical director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University, explains what hospitals need to consider when starting a new structural heart program.

DiA Imaging Analysis, which specialized in developing the AI-based automated cardiac ultrasound solution LVivo Seamless. The technology is now integrated through partnerships with dozens of healthcare vendors, including ScImage, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare Konica Minolta and IBM Watson.

ScImage latest vendor to adopt DiA Imaging Analysis AI for echocardiography

Artificial intelligence vendor DiA has emerged as a key third-party provider of AI to larger imaging vendors.

Echocardiography

FDA clears expanded use of AI that helps novice users perform echo exams

ASE president outlines need to lead on AI, sustain echo workforce

Healthcare advocacy in 2025: American Society of Echocardiography reviews a busy year

Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging

Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results