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.

Part of the ASNC delegation that visited with congressional members to to explain policy and payment challenges that face. Members of ASNC's Health Policy Committee from left: Daniel Huck, MD, MPH, David E. Winchester, MD, MS, FASNC, Suman Tandon, MD, FASNC, Vikas Veeranna, MD, Friederike Keating, MD, FASNC, and Attila Feher, MD, PhD.

ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology made its voice heard, pushing for legislation to repeal Medicare payment cuts and tie payments to inflationary increases. Prior authorization and a proposed tariff on radioisotopes were also discussed.

court judge gavel business man bankruptcy lawsuit

Judge triples damages in antitrust lawsuit, ordering Johnson & Johnson MedTech to pay $442M

A bad outcome for Johnson & Johnson MedTech just got worse. A jury previously ordered the company to pay $147M, but the new total is $442M.

CABG coronary artery bypass grafting heart surgery

AFib ablation during CABG improves survival

Clinical guidelines already recommend that these procedures be performed together when applicable. However, researchers noted, it is still not terribly common among today’s surgeons. 

Ty Bode, senior director of strategy at GE Healthcare, explains the details of a new, economical cardiac CT scanner GE Healthcare launched at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 meeting. The Revolution Vibe is designed specifically for coronary CT angiography (CCTA), but at a lower price point than the traditional high-end, flagship scanner that have traditional performed CCTA work.

A closer look at GE HealthCare's new affordable cardiac CT scanner

As cardiac CT continues to get used more and more, GE HealthCare has launched a new scanner designed to meet the needs of both outpatient imaging centers and larger hospitals. 

Dean Kereiakes, a nationally renowned interventional cardiologist and president of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, has long been recognized for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular research and intervention. But in 2024, his career and his life were permanently altered when decades of wearing heavy lead protection in the cath lab left him paralyzed.

Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back

Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.

PCI

Cardiologists using less contrast in the cath lab—but there is room to improve

Researchers emphasized that minimizing procedural contrast use is an effective way to reduce the risk of post-PCI acute kidney injury. 

Interventional radiologist radiology IR genicular artery embolization surgery

Society of Interventional Radiology joins others in urging Medicare payment for high-cost disposables

The resolution urges the AMA to advocate for separate payment for certain services using supplies priced above $500, as well as those containing high-cost equipment. 

Video interview with Hari Naidu SCAI president on the need for policy for increased radiation protection in the cath lab.

SCAI wants lead-free cath labs and a better work-life balance for cardiologists

"The lead protection we wear is causing a lot of damage," SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, a veteran interventional cardiologist, explained in an interview.