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.

AI-based coronary plaque evaluations highlight elevated heart risks in women
“This is the perfect technique to identify high-risk patients who would benefit from intensive therapies,” imaging specialist Gudrun Feuchtner, MD, told Cardiovascular Business.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence
The 55-year-old patient woke up experiencing chest pain one morning and an ambulance was called. He was dead just a few hours later. His family's lawsuit argued that delays in care, communication errors and other issues were directly responsible for his death.
Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women
Coronary artery disease is both underdiagnosed and undertreated in women, and they often receive less guideline-recommended care than men. Why do these disparities persist? And what can today’s healthcare providers do to bring about change?
FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures
The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

Group publishes new stress echo guidelines for ischemic heart disease

The American Society of Echocardiography released the new recommendations to replace its 2007 edition.

Medical societies release AUC ratings for imaging congenital heart disease patients

The 47-page document, published Jan. 6 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, touches on multiple cardiac imaging modalities, rating them based on their appropriateness for examining adults and children with previously diagnosed heart defects.

What’s to Gain from Strain? Experts Say Strain Echocardiography Is on the Path to Acceptance

Despite its diagnostic and prognostic value, speckle-tracking strain echocardiography is underused, some cardiac imagers say. What will it take for adoption to pick up?

AI algorithm can spot LVEF from 15 seconds of ECG data

An AI algorithm that reportedly helps physicians identify reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) received Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA on Dec. 18.

CT helps spot patients with potential lead extraction risks

More individuals are receiving cardiac implanted devices than ever before, and as a result, the number of complications stemming from the wire connecting the device to the heart—known as a lead—are also increasing.

Computed tomography IDs complications ahead of lead extraction

Pre-procedural computed tomography could help identify heart patients prone to complex lead extractions and locate severe lead adhesions prior to intervention, according to research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Meditation increases blood flow in the heart, PET scans show

Patients who practiced transcendental meditation and cardiac rehabilitation increased their myocardial blood flow by 20.7%.

MRI-guided thrombolysis can save $20K in downstream costs in certain stroke patients

Not only is MRI-guided intravenous thrombolysis cost-effective, but the approach offers long-term clinical benefits for stroke patients with no known time of onset.

Cardiac Imaging

AI-based coronary plaque evaluations highlight elevated heart risks in women

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence

Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures