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.

ASE promoting 3D echo as a better way to treat congenital heart disease
The introduction of a 3D pediatric transesophegeal echo probe is having a major impact on how these pediatric congenital heart patients are being treated.
AI model turns POCUS images into accurate structural heart evaluations
Researchers see potential for this technology to make cardiac screening much easier for physicians who are not trained cardiologists.
Post-TAVR echocardiography helps predict a patient’s long-term risk of SVD
Postprocedural gradients can tell cardiologists a lot about a patient's long-term risk of structural valve deterioration.
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.

Siemens Healthineers has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Acuson Origin, its new cardiovascular ultrasound system featuring advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The Acuson Origin represents a significant update from the prior Siemens Healthineers cardiovascular ultrasound system, the Acuson SC2000.

Siemens Healthineers gains FDA clearance for new AI-powered cardiovascular ultrasound system

The Acuson Origin system includes advanced AI algorithms designed to assist users with the treatment of diagnostic, structural heart, vascular, electrophysiological and pediatric patients. It also comes packaged with a new 4D ICE catheter capable of multiplanar reconstruction imaging with or without the use of an electrocardiogram.

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

MRI results help cardiologists predict heart failure risk

"This breakthrough suggests that heart MRI could potentially replace invasive diagnostic tests," one specialist said.

Generative AI explains echo results to heart patients

Researchers used OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to build 100 patient-friendly echo reports, evaluating each one for accuracy, relevance and understandability. The AI reports passed the test with flying colors.

Echocardiography vs CT for Prediction of Newly Created LVOT Area during TMVR

3D echo comparable to CT for predicting TMVR complications

LVOT obstruction after TMVR remains a significant concern among structural heart cardiologists. Predicting the risk of LVOT obstruction typically requires CT, which comes with certain disadvantages compared to other imaging options.

Emily Lau, MD, Mass General Hospital, discusses sex differences in cardiovascular presentations of women.

CVD presents differently in women than it does in men—guidelines should reflect that

Emily Lau, MD, a women's health expert with Massachusetts General Hospital, thinks major changes are needed in how we diagnose CVD in women. "Our guidelines need to be more precise and offer sex-specific recommendations," she says.

Compensation keeps climbing in cardiology, electrophysiology, heart surgery

Among general cardiologists, compensation increased nearly 8% from 2023 to 2024. Interventional cardiology and electrophysiology saw even larger jumps.

ASE President Ted Abraham, MD, speaking at the ASE HCM forum in 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

Cardiologist begins term as American Society of Echocardiography's new president

Cardiologist Theodore Abraham, MD, has been an ASE member for more than two decades. He is now the organization's 2024-2025 president.

Stretching may help reduce painful orthopedic issues among echo and interventional lab staff

Orthopedic issues are the biggest work-related injury in cardiology, but this low cost intervention may help.

Echocardiography

ASE promoting 3D echo as a better way to treat congenital heart disease

AI model turns POCUS images into accurate structural heart evaluations

Post-TAVR echocardiography helps predict a patient’s long-term risk of SVD

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

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