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.

Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have issued new guidelines for the management of congenital heart disease in adults. The document outlines how to manage these patients, the challenges they face and much more.
AI flags hard-to-detect heart disease in seconds
The new deep learning algorithm is capable of detecting signs of coronary microvascular dysfunction in seconds.
Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging
ASE President David Wiener detailed some of the many ways imaging societies need to adapt now that so many imagers are specializing in multiple modalities. It may be time to change how annual conferences are scheduled, for example, so that the costs of travel are easier to manage.
Radiology dominates FDA-cleared AI, but reimbursement lags far behind
As of January 2026, there will only be two CPT category 1 payment codes for newer AI, despite there being hundreds of FDA-cleared medical imaging algorithms.
Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results
Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

An updated look at the latest self-expandable and balloon-expandable TAVR devices

Researchers have completed a new analysis of the Evolut Pro and Pro+ devices from Medtronic and the Sapien 3 Ultra devices from Edwards Lifesciences, sharing the results in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Most devices implanted during LAAO procedures are oversized—and patients benefit

Oversized devices are becoming more common as time goes on, which suggests operators are growing increasingly comfortable with this treatment choice.

wearable device heart health ECG SCG ultra soft University of Missouri Zheng Yan, PhD

New ‘ultra-soft’ wearable device uses ECG, SCG results to monitor heart health

The new-look device, still under development, is designed to be worn for weeks at a time.

FDA changes indications for Impella RP heart pump after dramatic shift in mortality rate

The Impella RP System is still associated with significant benefits, the FDA said, but there are certain high-risk patients who should no longer be eligible for treatment.

Medtronic reaches milestone in study of pulsed-field ablation and mapping catheter for AFib

A randomized study of more than 450 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation is now underway. All patients have been treated, and their outcomes will be tracked for 12 months.

An inflated intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with the Maquet Cardiosave system.

Supply chain problems: FDA warns of new shortage of intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheters and spare parts

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible.

Boston Scientific's new TAVR system associated with high success rate, low mortality rate

The new-look device gained CE mark approval in Europe in 2020, but it has not been approved yet in the United States.

Socioeconomic status and mental health make a big impact on AVR outcomes

Nontraditional risk factors such as dementia, PTSD, bipolar disorder and low socioeconomic status are all important to consider when patients are candidates for aortic valve replacement.

Cardiac Imaging

Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines

AI flags hard-to-detect heart disease in seconds

Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging

Radiology dominates FDA-cleared AI, but reimbursement lags far behind

Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results