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.

New registry helps hospitals expand outpatient services for heart patients
The initiation of the ACC Ambulatory Surgical Center Registry comes at a time when hospitals are expanding their structural heart programs. The registry is providing valuable details about which patients should stay at the hospital and which can be treated in an outpatient setting.
Cardiologists lead charge for medical device approvals in Europe to be more rigorous
There is a belief among some clinicians that it is too easy for companies to gain CE mark approval for their medical devices. However, a new proposal from the European Society of Cardiology and other groups could help change that.
Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for challenging lesions in Europe
The balloon-free catheter, which already had a successful launch in the United States, has been associated with positive outcomes and the ability to reach certain lesions more accurately than balloon-based IVL platforms.
Multimodality imagers play a critical role in modern heart teams
Heart teams continue to play a major role at hospitals and health systems all over the world. Cardiac imagers who have trained in multiple modalities can provide those teams with a significant amount of value.
Update: FDA confirms recalls for defibrillation leads after nearly 400 injuries
Safety concerns with certain Boston Scientific leads have resulted in multiple Class I recalls, the FDA has announced. The agency first shared a warning about this issue in August.

FDA details defibrillation lead issue linked to 386 injuries, 16 deaths

Boston Scientific manufactured these devices from 2002 to 2021, and approximately 354,000 are still in use. It is recommended that clinicians look for early signs of this issue during scheduled follow-up appointments.

CCTA outperforms TEE after LAAO, new meta-analysis confirms

Researchers reviewed data from more than 1,300 patients who underwent both CCTA and TEE after undergoing LAAO. The two modalities were comparable in many ways, but cardiac CT was linked to a few key benefits.

AI company raises $55M with help from leading health systems

Ultromics plans to use the new funds to help expand its presence throughout the United States. In addition, the company is focused on developing additional AI-enabled software offerings.

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

New LAAO guidelines: 6 key takeaways for interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists

SCAI and HRS have collaborated on new guidelines designed to help clinicians make the safest, smartest treatment decisions possible.

Exploring the value of same-day permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR

Temporary pacemakers are typically used for at least 24 hours before care teams consider implanting a permanent device. New research out of Canada suggests it may make sense in certain scenarios to go straight to the permanent pacemaker.

Early rhythm control boosts AFib outcomes for patients with obesity, diabetes

Researchers expected these conditions to reduce the benefits of early treatment. However, that was not the case.

Pilot study looks at same-day discharge PCI for acute coronary syndromes

Study shows same-day discharge is feasible for carefully selected, uncomplicated ACS patients.

Boston Scientific Reliance 4-Front defibrillation leads

Boston Scientific warns that certain defibrillation leads may put patients at risk

The issue, associated with calcification, can make these devices less effective over time. The Heart Rhythm Society shared a detailed analysis of the situation.

Cardiac Imaging

New registry helps hospitals expand outpatient services for heart patients

Cardiologists lead charge for medical device approvals in Europe to be more rigorous

Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for challenging lesions in Europe

Multimodality imagers play a critical role in modern heart teams

Update: FDA confirms recalls for defibrillation leads after nearly 400 injuries