Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used as both a functional and anatomical cardiac imaging test. It offers excellent soft tissue detail and the ability to quantify cardiac function. MRI scans can be performed with or without gadolinium contrast depending on what information is needed. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use X-ray radiation, but patients with metal implants may have contraindications for MRI use because MR will heat up most metal objects. MRI exams usually take much longer than CT scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

Experts develop cardiac MRI reference values for healthy adolescents

The newly developed reference values could have “direct implications for clinical practice” and can be used by any provider to determine whether an adolescent falls within the normal range of measurements for their age group.

March 3, 2023

No need for updated imaging prior to major surgery in some cases, new data show

Prior chest imaging can sometimes be just as predictive of adverse events after surgery as updated imaging, according to new data set to be presented at the annual conference of the American College of Cardiology on March 5. 

March 2, 2023

Fatal accident calls MRI safety standards into question—are more regulations needed?

There are a number of well-intended recommendations for preventing MRI injuries, but many of them stop short of implementing safety requirements.

February 24, 2023
cardiologist patient heart compensation starting salary 2022 interventional cardiologist

Researchers awarded $31M to study conduction system pacing among heart failure patients

“Once the study begins, it will likely be one of the largest heart pacing clinical trials happening in the world over the next few years," one specialist said. 

October 21, 2022
Vaccine-related myocarditis was seen in approximately 0.00005% of children between the ages of 12 and 15. All cases were mild, and the median length of stay at the hospital was three days. . Vaccine child kid young patient covid-19 mask patient

Heart damage after COVID-19 vaccination extremely rare among adolescents

Vaccine-related myocarditis was seen in approximately 0.00005% of children between the ages of 12 and 15. All cases were mild, and the median length of stay at the hospital was three days. 

October 21, 2022
mixed reality LAAO Chase Western Reserve MRI. The group—which includes engineers, cardiologist, radiologists and other specialists—will attempt to perform a robotic-controlled left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) on a patient inside an MRI scanner.

Researchers receive $3.7M to attempt robotic heart surgery inside MRI scanner

The group—which includes engineers, cardiologist, radiologists and other specialists—will attempt to perform a robotic-controlled left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) on a patient inside an MRI scanner.

October 20, 2022
The Medtronic SelectSecure MRI SureScan Model 3830 cardiac lead already gained FDA approval for His-Bundle pacing back in 2018. Now, the lead is also approved for left bundle branch area pacing, providing users with another option when treating patients for bradycardia. According to Medtronic, this marks the first time the FDA has approved a device for this indication.

Medtronic cardiac lead the first to receive FDA approval for conduction system pacing

The company’s SelectSecure MRI SureScan Model 3830 cardiac lead already gained FDA approval for His-Bundle pacing back in 2018. Now, the lead is also approved for left bundle branch area pacing.

October 17, 2022

New cardiac MR technique cuts scan time by more than half

Using a new 4D flow cardiac MRI scan, experts were able to complete cardiac examinations in just eight minutes.

September 22, 2022