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.

PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments
While Kardium raised $250 million in an oversubscribed funding round, Field Medical raised $35 million. Both companies are focused on designing and developing new pulsed field ablation technologies to help treat challenging arrhythmias.
AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images
A team of biomedical engineers, radiologists and cardiologists has developed a new AI model capable of restoring low-quality cardiac MRI scans.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech faces threat of permanent injunction after losing antitrust case
After being ordered to pay $442 million in damages—a ruling the company has said it may appeal—Johnson & Johnson MedTech is now facing the possibility of a permanent injunction that could impact certain business practices. A hearing is scheduled for July.
Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons share ‘landmark’ document on assessing prosthetic heart valves with CT
RSNA and several other industry societies have shared a new expert consensus document on the significant value of cardiac CT. Echo remains an effective first-line imaging option, the groups wrote, but CT can make a big impact as well.
AMA resolution backs expanded low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer, heart risk
Dana Smetherman, MD, CEO of the American College of Radiology, discusses the policy, which urges for more robust promotion of low-dose CT as a public health tool.

CT has been used for planning and procedural guidance in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for about 20 years. It shows the anatomy to the electrophysiologist. The EPs also can load the imaging into their EP mapping system. It also shows them the location of the esophagus and the phrenic nerve so they can avoid these during the procedures. #PVI #EPeeps

VIDEO: The expanding role of cardiac CT in electrophysiology

Harold Litt, MD, division chief of cardiothoracic imaging and director of the Center for Advanced CT Imaging Sciences at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, explains the role of cardiac CT in EP procedures.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

Severe prosthesis-patient mismatch after TAVR linked to a higher risk of death

Researchers examined data from 82,000 TAVR patients, focusing on echocardiography-defined PPM. They shared their results in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

FFR-guided PCI provides significant value, new meta-analysis confirms

FFR-guided PCI was associated with improved resource utilization and less radiation exposure, among other benefits, when compared to angiography-guided procedures.

Microbot Medical microcatheters Liberty Robotic System

Microbot Medical acquires Nitiloop’s assets, including FDA-cleared microcatheters

The company plans to integrate the newly acquired microcatheters into its existing robotics platforms.

VIDEO: Role of PFO closure in stroke prevention

John Carroll, MD, director of interventional cardiology and professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, explains the state of transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) to prevent stroke.

A FEOPS image of a Watchman LAA occluder device being checked for virtual sizing in an anatomical model of the patient's left atrial appendage. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, MD, explains the role and technology of LAA closure devices in managing AFib patients.

VIDEO: The value of left atrial appendage occlusion in AFib patients

Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, MD, executive medical director for the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health, explains recent trials in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and how the therapy helps atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients.

5 key predictors of heart failure hospitalizations after TAVR

Diabetes and atrial fibrillation are just some of the factors that can increase a patient's risk of being hospitalized for heart failure within one year of undergoing a successful TAVR procedure.

Researchers awarded $37M to see if Apple Watch can lower stroke risk among AFib patients

Could wearables help AFib patients take fewer blood-thinning medications and reduce their risk of stroke? The team behind a new seven-year analysis hopes to find out.

Cardiac Imaging

PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments

AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images

Johnson & Johnson MedTech faces threat of permanent injunction after losing antitrust case

Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons share ‘landmark’ document on assessing prosthetic heart valves with CT

AMA resolution backs expanded low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer, heart risk