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.

Abbott FlexAbility Sensor Enabled Ablation Catheter FDA

Abbott gains new FDA approval for one catheter, CE mark approval for a second catheter

Both devices were approved for treating significant heart rhythm issues. 

Thumbnail

Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States. 

Example of a cardiovascular information system (CVIS) cath lab reporting module with a coronary tree model that will auto complete sections of the report based on how the cardiologist modifies the model. Image from the ScImage booth at ACC 2022. Photo by Dave Fornell

VIDEO: 4 key trends in cardiovascular information systems, according to Signify Reseach

Signify Research shares the latest big trends in cardiovascular IT systems, including the role of EMR cardiology modules vs. third-party CVIS, structured reporting, integration into enterprise imaging and inclusion of ambulatory surgical centers. 

CardiacSense, an Israel-based healthcare technology company, gained FDA clearance for its CSF-3 medical watch

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears new medical watch, considers empagliflozin for CKD and much more

Our monthly review of FDA-related news items in the world of cardiology includes updates from CardiacSense, MedAlliance, Lupin, Realize Medical and Eli Lilly and Company. 

Interventional cardiologists can safely perform PCI without on-site surgical backup

The finding comes from a new expert consensus statement published by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Several industry societies, including the ACC and AHA, have endorsed the document. 

FDA issues new recall for circulatory support system after software update

The device was first recalled in 2022, but a new software update has now been released that addresses the issue. The FDA wanted a new recall to be issued to ensure all customers went through with the update.

Atrial Fibrillation and its location in the atrium detected using the Vektor arrhythmia detection software. COVID infection can cause the development of AFib, AF, in patients as a long-COVID symptom.

VIDEO: The link between COVID-19 and atrial fibrillation

Peter Libby, MD, a cardiovascular medicine specialist with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discussed the cases of AFib being seen in long-COVID patients.

6 pointers on POCUS leadership in the ED (and potentially beyond)

Has point-of-care ultrasound outpaced hospitals’ capacity to incorporate the technology without anointing any particular specialty its proper guardian? The case could be made.