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.

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion
ADP offers care teams multiple benefits not seen with traditional wire-based physiologic assessments. A roundtable of 17 expert clinicians discussed the topic at length, and their findings were used to develop a new manuscript published in JSCAI.
FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported
There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.
Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M
Medtronic has held a minority investment in CathWorks for several years, and the two organizations entered into a co-promotion agreement in 2022. Once finalized, the move will increase Medtronic's presence in the cath lab.
Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market
New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.
Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification
The new certification is focused on the importance of high-quality care and real-world patient outcomes. It will be based on the same data care teams already submit if they participate in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, ACC CathPCI Registry or STS/ACC TVT Registry.

The Advanta V12 and iCast (bottom image) balloon expandable covered stents were recalled by Atrium/Getinge because the balloons may not deflate quickly when using thicker contrast for endovascular use.

More than 68,000 stents recalled after multiple injuries

Dozens of customers have reported issues with the device’s balloon or catheter hub separating from the delivery system, mostly during off-label use in a patient's blood vessels.

Same-day discharge after TAVR is safe for low-risk patients, leads to considerable cost savings

Researchers aimed to shine light on this key topic, tracking data from nearly 200,000 patients.

Contrast shortage update: GE expects supply to 'progressively recover' soon

Production at the facility in Shanghai is expected to be near 100% starting on June 6.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 glucose monitor gains FDA clearance

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears 2 new devices, grants breakthrough designation to advanced AI model

Catch up on several recent FDA announcements, including an update on the agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardiac MRI findings can predict incident CVD years before onset

Prior imaging of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta in study participants revealed thoracic aortic wall area (AWA), plaque prevalence and plaque volumes to be independently associated with incident CVD.

Survival on the rise among high-risk pulmonary embolism patients

The study's authors examined data from more than 1.4 million patients, noting that pulmonary embolism response teams appear to be playing a significant role.

Transcatheter PVL closure linked to lower 30-day mortality than surgery

Long-term mortality, meanwhile, is similar between the two treatment options.

Medtronic has received FDA approval for its IN.PACT 018 Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Balloon Catheter

Medtronic gains FDA approval for new DCB compatible with 0.018” guidewires

The drug-coated balloon was approved to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries

Cardiac Imaging

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion

FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported

Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M

Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market

Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification