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.

New balloonless IVL catheter offers an alternative to atherectomy in tight lesions, CTOs
J.D. Corl, MD, shared his experience using two new IVL catheters from Shockwave Medical to treat patients with heavily calcified peripheral arteries. He considers both new devices a significant upgrade.
Eko Health’s AI platform for digital stethoscopes granted new CPT code
The Sensora platform, which includes multiple FDA-approved algorithms, has a new Category III CPT code.
Cardiologist demand is on the rise—can hospitals keep up?
Demand for inpatient and outpatient cardiology services is expected to increase significantly in the next decade, putting hospitals and health systems in a position where they need to plan ahead or risk falling behind.
SCCT leaders unpack the 2025 Medicare payment increase for coronary CTA
The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography is cheering as a “huge win” the 2025 CMS payment increase for coronary CTA that more than doubles the current payment and “better aligns with the cost of providing CCTA services." The panel expects the move to bring an increase in CT utilization, more adoption with financial sustainability and greater access in currently underutilized areas.
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over
The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Infarction patterns determine benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy for stroke patients

Patients with multiple acute infarction patterns may benefit the most from dual antiplatelet therapy compared to others who have experienced a minor stroke, according to a recent study of imaging data published online March 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

March 27, 2018

AI model 98% accurate in echocardiogram classification—outperforming cardiologists

A study published in the journal Digital Medicine found a trained artificial intelligence (AI) platform classified echocardiogram views with 98 percent accuracy—outperforming board-certified cardiologists.

March 27, 2018

New method may improve fractional flow reserve CT accuracy

A recent study published in the April 2018 issue of Radiology optimized a four-step approach to accurately detect hemodynamically significant intermediate-stenosis lesions, which outperformed coronary CT angiography. Researchers also found using coronary contrast opacification variations to estimate blood flow distribution may improve CT fractional flow reserve accuracy.

March 26, 2018

Philips enhances point-of-care ultrasound with Reacts platform for remote collaboration and virtual training

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, in partnership with Innovative Imaging Technologies (IIT), today announced an industry-first integrated tele-ultrasound solution based on Philips' Lumify portable ultrasound system and powered by IIT's Reacts collaborative platform.

March 26, 2018

Troponin test shows potential in detecting CAD—but imaging still needed to confirm

A high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) assay was independently predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain in the outpatient setting, researchers reported in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. However, it’s not ready to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for CAD.

March 22, 2018

Brain scanner helmet ideal for children who can't keep still

A neuroimaging helmet may be a breakthrough for children with epilepsy, babies or patients with physical disorders, according to a March 21 article published by Reuters.

March 21, 2018

Study Shows Positive Results with Medtronic Cryoballoon for Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

DUBLIN and BARCELONA, Spain - MARCH 19, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) today announced one-year results from the CRYO4PERSISTENT AF study of ablation with the Arctic Front Advance(TM) Cryoballoon to isolate the pulmonary veins in patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

March 19, 2018

Closure devices used in PFO treatment more beneficial than medication alone

A new trial suggested patients exhibiting patent foramen ovale (PFO), who received a medical device to close the opening in the heart after a stroke, had better outcomes compared to patients who received only stroke-preventing medications.

March 16, 2018

Cardiac Imaging

New balloonless IVL catheter offers an alternative to atherectomy in tight lesions, CTOs

Eko Health’s AI platform for digital stethoscopes granted new CPT code

Cardiologist demand is on the rise—can hospitals keep up?

SCCT leaders unpack the 2025 Medicare payment increase for coronary CTA

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over