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.

MRI technique analyzes composition of fat surrounding heart.

New MRI technique spots signs of heart disease before symptoms emerge

Researchers with the University of Virginia Arlington are working to develop a new way of analyzing fat content around the heart. 

AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

New AI model uses ECG images to evaluate heart failure risk

The advanced algorithm only needs an image or photograph of a 12-lead ECG to make its assessment. 

George Dangas, MD, 2023-24 president of SCAI, director of cardiovascular innovation at Mount Sinai Hospital, and director of the TCT meeting, explains key trends he sees in interventional cardiology.

New directions and trends in interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology continues to evolve, driven by rapid advancements in technology. George Dangas, MD, discussed some of the specialty's biggest ongoing trends with Cardiovascular Business. 

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Valve durability after TAVR: Cardiologists track how deterioration influences outcomes

Researchers have made it a priority to learn as much about the durability of TAVR valves as possible. A new study in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions used updated VARC-3 definitions to identify signs of hemodynamic valve deterioration in nearly 2,500 patients.

AI-powered heart assessments of NFL veterans could help cardiologists tackle CVD

Retired NFL players Joel Dreessen and Le-Lo Lang are among the first athletes participating in a new registry launched by HeartFlow and the Boone Heart Institute.

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, director of cardiac electrophysiology laboratories at the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, explains lessons from the AHA statement on COVID caused arrhythmias.

Key details associated with the treatment of COVID-induced arrhythmias

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, lead author of a recent American Heart Association scientific statement on cardiac arrhythmias associated with COVID-19, reviewed the latest science associated with this important topic.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Experts in interventional cardiology, medical billing unite to discuss Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology

Intravascular lithotripsy has quickly emerged as one of healthcare’s most in-demand technologies. Now Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, is co-hosting a webinar designed to teach coding and billing specialists how to code appropriately for peripheral and coronary IVL procedures. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

Aortic valve calcium scores help predict need for a permanent pacemaker after TAVR

RBBB remains the single strongest predictor for PPMI after TAVR, but high AV calcium scores still provide care teams with considerable value.