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.

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion
ADP offers care teams multiple benefits not seen with traditional wire-based physiologic assessments. A roundtable of 17 expert clinicians discussed the topic at length, and their findings were used to develop a new manuscript published in JSCAI.
FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported
There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.
Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M
Medtronic has held a minority investment in CathWorks for several years, and the two organizations entered into a co-promotion agreement in 2022. Once finalized, the move will increase Medtronic's presence in the cath lab.
Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market
New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.
Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification
The new certification is focused on the importance of high-quality care and real-world patient outcomes. It will be based on the same data care teams already submit if they participate in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, ACC CathPCI Registry or STS/ACC TVT Registry.

Philips signs two long-term strategic partnership agreements in Germany

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, today announced it has signed two long-term strategic partnership agreements with hospital groups in Germany.

GE Healthcare launches Omnipaque Oral Solution, a ready-to-drink contrast medium for computed tomography of the abdomen

GE Healthcare is launching OmnipaqueTM (iohexol) Oral Solution in the United States, a new, ready-to-drink contrast medium that can be used to help physicians diagnose medical conditions by improving the diagnostic visualization of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract.

QFR tops coronary angiography in calculating FFR, detecting stenosis

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) outperformed coronary angiography in calculating fractional flow reserve (FFR), a measurement key to determining heart blockages, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

FDA clears ultrasound tool for IV catheter insertion

EchoNous, the Seattle-based medical tool provider, recently received FDA clearance for the its ultrasound-based tool designed for nurses to improve peripheral IV (PIV) catheter placements.

QFR method could expand access to physiological stenosis assessment

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) allows for the functional assessment of stenosis on par with fractional flow reserve (FFR) but doesn’t require a guidewire, an international group of researchers reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Myocardial delayed enhancement CT rivals MRI for detecting scar tissue in heart failure patients

Myocardial delayed enhancement (MDE) CT rivaled late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) MRI in the detection and classification of myocardial scar in patients with heart failure, according to a recent Radiology study. The results may help identify features of chronic heart failure.

Wearable ECG device increases AFib diagnoses

Individuals at high risk for atrial fibrillation (AFib) who utilized a home-based wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch had a higher rate of AFib diagnosis after four months compared to delayed monitoring.

Informatics approach improves workflow, patient care in IVC filter

Patients with retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters used to prevent venous thromboembolisms face increased complication risks the longer their device remains in the body. Researchers created an informatics tool to address the issue.

Cardiac Imaging

Interventional cardiologists take on angiography-derived physiology in new expert opinion

FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported

Medtronic to acquire AI-enabled FFR specialists CathWorks for up to $585M

Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market

Joint Commission partners with STS, ACC on new cardiac care certification