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.

Several interventional cardiology late-breaking studies were presented at the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) 2026 meeting March 7-10, and experts from the Society of Society highlighted what they felt was most impactful to clinical practice. Photo by Dave Fornell.

CRT 2026: Key takeaways for interventional cardiologists

CRT studies shed new light on many topics, including long-term TAVR outcomes, radiation protection and advanced interventional techniques.

Selection of stent images captured with the MicroAngioscope from Vena Medical. Images courtesy of Kan et al. and Stroke.

FDA clears intravascular device billed as ‘world’s smallest camera’ as physicians share new data

The new device, which provides users with real-time images in full color, is now approved by the FDA to be used in the peripheral vasculature. Meanwhile, first-in-human data published in Stroke explored its potential in the cerebral vasculature. 

cardiac amyloidosis on bone scan

Shortage of cardiac amyloidosis radiotracers should ease in late March

However, the regular supply of these imaging radiotracers may not be back online for another few months.

Ligence Heart is a recently FDA cleared AI that fully automates analyses, measurements and reporting for transthoracic echo.

Cardiology now has more than 200 FDA-cleared AI algorithms

Cardiology is No. 2 behind radiology when it comes to FDA-cleared AI algorithms. Neurology, meanwhile, is a distant No. 3. 

Philips has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for SmartHeart, the company’s new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered planning technology for cardiac MR (CMR) exams.

FDA clears AI-enabled cardiac MR planning technology from Philips

The new SmartHeart technology automates 14 cardiac views in less than 30 seconds. It was designed to increase productivity and bring more consistency to cardiology and radiology departments.

FDA issues recall of imaging systems

FDA shares details about reprocessed catheter recall

Back in February, the FDA expanded a recall of several reprocessed EP and ultrasound catheters due to a risk of contamination. The agency is now sharing additional information with the public.

Farapulse Boston Scientific Pulsed Field Ablation PFA fda approval

Boston Scientific’s Farapulse PFA system receives expanded approval

The technology first gained CE mark approval for the treatment of paroxysmal AFib in 2021, when PFA was still brand new. Now, thanks to positive results from the ADVANTAGE AF clinical trial, it is approved for persistent AFib as well. 

FDA recall medical device recall product recall

FDA confirms more recalls for Johnson & Johnson heart pumps due to malfunction risk

The issue, first announced to the public in February, has been linked to 22 serious injuries. Customers are urged to review the updated instructions for use to avoid any potential complications.