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.

CT angiography lowers invasive testing, costs in patients with suspected CAD

Using coronary CT angiography to identify which patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) really need invasive angiography can lower the overall cost of diagnostic testing without sacrificing safety, suggests a randomized trial published Dec. 12 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

3D printing workflow utilizes CT scans to improve aortic valve replacement

With the development of a new three-dimensional (3D) printing workflow, researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University in Boston may help cardiologists produce more proficient implantable heart valves and determine how different sized valves interact for each patient before surgical intervention for aortic valve replacement, according to a Dec. 10 report by the 3D Printing Media Network.

Creator of AI-based ECG analysis named European Innovator of the Year

Cardiologs co-founder and CEO Yann Fleureau was named the European Innovator of the Year by MIT Technology Review. The company offers a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform that enables the detection of 14 cardiac arrhythmias through ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.

FDA grants special recognition to AI software used to diagnose rare form of hypertension

The FDA has granted a breakthrough device designation for an artificial intelligence (AI) pattern recognition software being developed by Bayer and Merck & Co. in New Jersey that can identify signs of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)—a rare form of hypertension—in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans, according to a Dec. 3 press release.

Images of atherosclerosis may boost patient adherence to CVD prevention

Showing patients and their primary care doctors pictorial representations of carotid plaque may prompt greater adherence to lifestyle and medication interventions, resulting in lower cardiovascular disease risk within one year, according to a study published Dec. 3 in The Lancet.

EMS response slower for cardiac arrest in low-income areas

It takes emergency medical services (EMS) almost four minutes longer to transport cardiac arrest patients from poor neighborhoods to the hospital versus those from high-income neighborhoods, according to a study of 2014 United States EMS data published in JAMA Network Open.

Arizona patients successfully receive the world’s first bioconvertible IVC filter commercially offered in US

BTG plc (LSE: BTG), the global healthcare company, today announced the first patients outside of a clinical trial have been successfully implanted with the BTG Sentry device – the world’s first bioconvertible IVC filter.

Radiologist pinpoints where cardiac 3D imaging needs improvement

“We’d better make some rules because otherwise, you can have willy-nilly 3D printing...you can 3D print off your iPhone if you have the right hook-ups, right? But we don’t want that. We want to do really high-quality work," said Frank J. Rybicki, MD, PhD, at the American Heart Association’s 2018 Scientific Sessions in Chicago according to a report by Cardiovascular Business.

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