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.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman FLX device from Boston Scientific is associated with positive outcomes and limited adverse events after one year, according to new findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] Many prior Watchman FLX studies, including PINNACLE FLX, had focused on the device’s performance in a controlled setting. The study’s authors hoped to gain a better understanding of its real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S

LAAO with Watchman FLX associated with positive 1-year outcomes, real-world data confirm

Researchers hoped to gain a better understanding of the device's real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S. patients. Overall, the Watchman FLX was linked to positive data and limited adverse events one year after treatment. 

CMS may double Medicare payments for cardiac CT

The agency is gathering feedback on a proposal to double the amount hospitals are paid for coronary computed tomography angiography, with the comment period ending Sept. 9.

Dan Blumenthal, MD, MBA, chief quality officer at the Cardiovascular Associates of America, and a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, spoke at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2024 meeting business sessions on how changes in Medicare payments will impact electrophysiology and cardiology more broadly.

What cardiologists should expect as U.S. healthcare payment models evolve

Cardiologist Dan Blumenthal, MD, MBA, explains how changes in Medicare payments will greatly impact cardiology in the years ahead. In just a few short years, the business side of cardiology could look substantially different than it does today. 

Huxley Medical, an Atlanta-based medical device company, has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its new Sansa device, a chest-worn patch designed to help diagnose sleep apnea in addition to tracking patient data with electrocardiograms (ECGs) a variety of sensors.

FDA clears chest-worn patch for simultaneous ECG, sleep apnea monitoring

The new device from Huxley Medical offers care teams a way to monitor patients for signs of sleep apnea while also keeping a close eye on their heart health. 

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Generative AI explains echo results to heart patients

Researchers used OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to build 100 patient-friendly echo reports, evaluating each one for accuracy, relevance and understandability. The AI reports passed the test with flying colors. 

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FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis

Early evidence suggests a new PET imaging agent from California-based Attralus can help evaluate all varieties of systemic cardiac amyloidosis. It has now been granted the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation. 

Echocardiography vs CT for Prediction of Newly Created LVOT Area during TMVR

3D echo comparable to CT for predicting TMVR complications

LVOT obstruction after TMVR remains a significant concern among structural heart cardiologists. Predicting the risk of LVOT obstruction typically requires CT, which comes with certain disadvantages compared to other imaging options.

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Stroke after TAVR in AFib patients: Key risk factors cardiologists should know

Reviewing a patient's medical history can help care teams select the optimal post-TAVR oral anticoagulation strategy.