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.

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.
FDA clears AI software for heart murmur detection with digital stethoscopes
eMurmer's new Heart AI software was designed to detect both the presence and absence of heart murmurs in digital stethoscope recordings. It can also gather critical hemodynamic data, helping care teams gain a better understanding of the patient's cardiovascular health.
Routine MRI measurements as accurate as invasive testing for heart failure
New findings suggest that measurements of blood oxygen acquired via T2 mapping during routine MRI scans could provide the same information on heart health as catheterization procedures.
ASNC says PET is now the preferred nuclear imaging test for CAD
Which imaging modality is better for evaluating heart patients, PET or SPECT? After years of discussions and debates, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is now ready to point to PET as the No. 1 choice. “There are no clinical scenarios or patient subgroups where cardiac PET with myocardial blood flow should be excluded," the group wrote.
Cardiologist highlights key differences between OBLs and ASCs
Current payment policies have health systems and physicians all over the country looking to learn more about these two business models.

doctor patient discharge after heart surgery

Same-day discharge after cardiac ablation: Cardiologists share recommendations

Same-day discharge won't always be a great fit after cardiac ablation, of course, but it has been associated with considerable patient satisfaction as well as improved efficiency and substantial cost savings. The Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology have shared a new scientific statement on the subject.

Field Medical FieldForce Ablation pulsed field ablation

PFA startup founded by industry veteran to share first-in-human data at Heart Rhythm 2025

Field Medical, founded in 2022 by Steven Mickelsen, MD, is set to make a significant splash at the Heart Rhythm Society's annual meeting in San Diego. The company also just raised $40 million in financing.

Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence: The best path forward for high-quality care and better outcomes

The world is in the throes of an AFib pandemic, one that could potentially get worse in the years ahead due to population growth, economic hardships and rigid resource limitations. According to the Heart Rhythm Society, one way to effectively combat this issue is the development of more AFib Centers of Excellence.

Imricor Medical Systems ventricular ablation

Cardiologists make history, perform world’s first ventricular ablation guided by real-time MRI

“MRI images provide a better view of the anatomy of the heart and the instruments used for treatment, but also of the changes made to the treated cardiac tissue,” one cardiologist explained. “Unlike X-ray images, the entire area surrounding the heart can be seen, including the blood vessels and valves."

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Proactive CAD strategies fueled by calcium scores lead to benefits for intermediate-risk patients

Up to 50% of all patients face an intermediate risk of developing CAD, and the optimal treatment strategy for that population remains unclear. For this study, researchers explored data from more than 400 intermediate-risk patients with a family history of premature CAD.

Gudrun Feuchtner, MD, MBA, HCM, assistant professor, cardiovascular imaging, Medical University Innsbruck, Department Radiology, explains how artificial intelligence-based quantitative computed tomography (AI QCT) coronary plaque features are better able to predict risk in women, according the the results of the late-breaking CONFIRM2 study at ACC 2025.

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.

Conavi Medical’s Novasight Hybrid System catheter

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.

Cardiac Imaging

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

FDA clears AI software for heart murmur detection with digital stethoscopes

Routine MRI measurements as accurate as invasive testing for heart failure

ASNC says PET is now the preferred nuclear imaging test for CAD

Cardiologist highlights key differences between OBLs and ASCs