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.

HRS 2024: Late-breaking clinical trials will highlight key trends in electrophysiology

A total of 21 late-breaking science presentations are scheduled for Heart Rhythm 2024 in Boston. 

Biosense Webster CARTO 3 System Version 8

Biosense Webster updates 3D heart mapping software with advanced AI models

The update includes multiple new algorithms designed to improve efficiency during cardiac ablation procedures.

Interview with Nehal Mehta, MD, Penn Medicine, who explains how coronary inflammation can be seen using AI on cardiac CT scans to better risk stratify patients and begin preventive drug therapy.

AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation

The combination of AI and CT helped Nehal Mehta, MD, and colleagues track the performance of a new drug designed to target coronary inflammation. 

When Apple previewed its watchOS 9 update in early June, one of the key features the company highlighted was a new tracking option for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients. The AFib History feature, approved for patients 22 years and older who have been diagnosed with AFib, was designed to help users gain a better understanding of their symptoms and easily share data with healthcare providers.

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.

PCI interventional cardiology

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients. 

First-in-Man Experience of Robotic-Assisted Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair With Pure Echo Guidance

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

Abbott's Espirit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold gained U.S. FDA approval in April 2024. It is based on the former Abbott Absorb coronary stent, but indicated for use in peripheral artery lesions below the knee (BTK).

FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries

The bioresorbable stent, examined at length for the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, stays in place for up to three years before completely dissolving. 

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.