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.

Reimbursement for AI-based plaque assessments is improving
A growing number of private insurers are now covering these advanced technologies. Roosha Parikh, MD, told Cardiovascular Business that the hard work of SCCT and other groups has helped make this happen.
Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage
The recall was put in place after a hydrophilic coating was discovered on the inside of the devices. According to the FDA, patients treated with the catheters could face a number of significant risks.
Cardiology groups share new recommendations for performing safe, effective cardiac ablations in ASCs
The timing of this new guidance from the Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology could not have been better—the document went live just as CMS finalized its decision to cover cardiac ablation procedures performed in ASCs.
IVC filter recalled due to injury risk
Customers are urged to stop using these devices right away.
FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind
The Telltale system was designed to assist cardiologists when BASILICA is required prior to TAVR.

FDA clears new device for valve-in-valve TAVR patients at risk of coronary obstruction

ShortCut, which gained the FDA’s breakthrough device designation back in January, is used to split valve leaflets and reduce the risk of obstruction.

The new cardiac PET radiotracer flurpiridaz F-18 is posed to be a major game changer and will likely lead to increased adoption of cardiac PET.

FDA approves GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz F-18 PET radiotracer for CAD

The newly approved radiotracer is seen as a major step forward for nuclear imaging technology. Specialists have been looking forward to its arrival on the market for quite some time.

With AFib ablation on the rise, HRS highlights importance of proper EP training

Cardiac ablation techniques and technologies are constantly evolving. Only well-trained specialists should be performing these procedures, the Heart Rhythm Society said in a new policy statement.

Focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe, effective treatment option for premature ventricular contractions (PVC), according to new data published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.[1]

PFA ablation safe, effective for treating premature ventricular contractions

Early data suggest PVC ablation with PFA technology is associated with a high success rate and minimal complications.

Pedro Martinez Clark, MD, explains treatment options for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients.

PAD patients have a wide variety of treatment options

Patients often have misconceptions about the different PAD treatments that are currently available. Pedro Martinez Clark, MD, outlined those options for a new video interview.

Heart tissues within one of the Johns Hopkins space launch-ready chambers for study aboard the International Space Station. Photo from Jonathan Tsui.

Space travel disrupts normal rhythm in heart cells

Heart tissue samples that spent 30 days at the International Space Station appear to have been weakened by the low gravity conditions in space. This finding has implications for the heart health of astronauts.

Erin R. Stevens, CNMT, NCT, director of nuclear medicine at Oregon Heart Center, said training physicians for what is needed in cardiac PET documentation is key for preventing issues with prior authorizations. ASNC photo

Good documentation is the key to cardiac PET prior authorizations

Knowing what, exactly, is needed in cardiac PET documentation is one of the best ways to limit prior authorization issues.

ASE establishes vocabulary for cardiac POCUS to promote consistency

As cardiac point-of-care ultrasound use continues to grow outside of traditional echo labs, the American Society of Echocardiography is working to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Cardiac Imaging

Reimbursement for AI-based plaque assessments is improving

Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage

Cardiology groups share new recommendations for performing safe, effective cardiac ablations in ASCs

IVC filter recalled due to injury risk

FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind