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.

Balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valves that fail to expand symmetrically may be associated with worse hemodynamic data, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Asymmetrical valve expansion after TAVR a cause for concern

Calcified debris can sometimes lead to stent frame issues that cause a patient's TAVR valve to expand asymmetrically. Few studies have explored the potential impact of valve asymmetry—until now. 

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its INGEVITY+ pacing leads to be used for left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) when connected to a single- or dual-chamber pacemaker.

FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing

Boston Scientific's INGEVITY+ pacing leads were originally approved by the FDA back in 2019. They can now be used for LBBAP, a new alternative to biventricular pacing.

Royal Philips has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its new 160-cm LumiGuide endovascular navigation wire, which uses the company’s popular Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology to deliver real-time 3D visualization without the use of fluoroscopy.

FDA approves longer LumiGuide 3D navigation wire from Philips

The newly approved device comes in at 160 cm. Like the shorter LumiGuide device from Philips, it was designed to deliver real-time 3D visualization with light instead of X-rays. 

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Merit Medical to purchase Cook Medical’s lead management portfolio for $210M

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market. 

Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), and a cardiologist and the Harold H. Hines, Jr. Professor of Medicine at the Yale school Medicine, explains some of the key technology advances he is watching across cardiology.

JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology

Harlan Krumholz, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, explains some of the key technology and treatment trends he has his eyes on.

IVUS Intravascular Ultrasound ACC

Intravascular imaging during PCI: Should cardiologists choose IVUS or OCT?

Which modality should care teams choose for PCI guidance? While there's an argument to be made for choosing IVUS over OCT, some specialists think the two treatment options are close to equal in terms of patient outcomes. 

Shockwave Medical, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company, has officially launched its Shockwave E8 Peripheral IVL Catheter in the United States. Shockwave’s E8 catheter was designed specifically to treat patients with calcified femoropopliteal and below-the-knee (BTK) peripheral artery disease (PAD), including those diagnosed with complex chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Shockwave Medical launches new FDA-approved IVL catheter for PAD, CLTI

The new device, already cleared by the FDA, was designed to treat femoropopliteal and below-the-knee PAD. 

Biotronik has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to make its Solia S lead and Selectra 3D catheter available for a new indication: left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP).

FDA approves Biotronik lead, catheter for left bundle branch area pacing

LBBAP is a relatively new alternative to biventricular pacing. The FDA's decision was based largely on data from the BIO-CONDUCT clinical trial.