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.

Ultrasounds can be the line between life and death in South Sudan

At Aweil General Hospital, ultrasound devices—handheld, portable and affordable point of care ultrasound (POCUS) devices that can be plugged into any mobile device—have been transformative for patients and physicians practicing in areas such as Aweil that lack accurate medical equipment.

Hitachi Healthcare Americas Unveils the Latest in Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Reporting at ASE 2018

Hitachi Healthcare Americas will be demonstrating its latest technologies at ASE 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee, June 23 to 25. Committed to delivering solutions that help providers meet new challenges, Hitachi’s bed-to-the-report workflow sets a new standard for integrated solutions.

Woman sues Illinois hospital claiming insufficient measures for brain CT necessitated abortion

A patient is suing Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois, claiming insufficient measures were taken during a brain CT scan, allegedly requiring her to get an abortion, according to a report published June 22 by the Cook County Record.

Oregon hospital sued for $7M by patient 'too large' for MRI

A patient deemed too big to fit inside an MRI machine and sent home has filed a $7 million medical negligence lawsuit against Providence Health and Services, according to an article published June 21 by the Portland Business Journal.

SNMMI backs updated ASNC guidelines on SPECT MPI

New 2018 guidelines for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) protocols on conventional and novel single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for nuclear cardiology practitioners has received praise from the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

Is coronary CTA or stress echocardiography better for chest pain triage?

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the current go-to for triaging chest pain patients in the emergency department (ED), but a recent study found the often-overlooked stress echocardiography (SE) may actually be safer and provide patients with a better overall experience.

Study: Stress echo edges coronary CTA for efficient triage of chest pain

The “often overlooked” strategy of stress echocardiography outperformed coronary CT angiography (CTA) in a randomized trial of low to intermediate-risk patients with acute chest pain, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, shorter stays and similar midrange safety outcomes.

Data fatigue: Machine learning predicts post-echocardiography survival with EHR assistance

Machine learning can accurately predict survival after echocardiography by analyzing unique data produced from heart images and electronic health record (EHR) information, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging.

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