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.

John D. Puskas, MD, MSc, PhD., FACS, FACC, professor of surgery, and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University Hospital Midtown, explains when patients are best served with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery rather than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

How to choose between CABG and PCI when treating coronary artery disease

John Puskas, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University Hospital Midtown, noted that both treatment options have their own benefits. It often depends on the patient's age and comorbidities, though there are other factors to consider as well. 

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Complications after intravascular lithotripsy are rare, real-world data confirm

Shockwave Medical, now a part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has consistently been found safe for patients. However, many previous clinical trials excluded high-risk patients, making it important to track real-world outcomes as time goes on.

Video interview with Allen Taylor, MD, chairman of cardiology at Medstar, who explains use of AI CCTA plaque analysis at Medstar to improve risk assessments.

AI software takes cardiac risk assessments to another level

Allen Taylor, MD, thinks AI-powered plaque evaluations can make a substantial impact on patient care. 

stock market IPO

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO

Heartflow, known for its AI-based CCTA evaluations, appears to be going public. The news follows years of momentum for the California-based company, including improved Medicare reimbursements for cardiac CT and a new Category I CPT code for its Plaque Analysis software.

New data highlight how Heartflow's AI software drives major shifts in heart care

One of the study's most significant findings was that patients managed using the advanced AI software saw LDL cholesterol drops of 18.7 mg/dL, with a 15% reduction in their risk of a cardiac event. Even patients with no calcified plaque saw significant changes in care management.

Philips Healthcare launched the Philips ECG AI Marketplace platform that gives cardiac care teams access to multiple vendor offerings in one central location to more efficiently manage and implement artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools through Philips ECG workstations.

New Philips platform offers AI-powered ECG tools from outside vendors

Philips has launched a new 'AI Marketplace' that expands access to third-party diagnostic tools. The company's goal is to put a variety of offerings into one convenient location for clinicians.

American Society of Echocardiography President David Wiener, MD, FASE, outlined is initiatives for the next year, calling for wider collaboration, sustaining the workforce and better engagement with members.

New ASE president outlines key initiatives in cardiac ultrasound

American Society of Echocardiography President David H. Wiener, MD, said one of his biggest goals is to help the group thrive in the face of ongoing workforce challenges. He also hopes to get new members involved.

Suman Tandon, MD, FASNC, a cardiac imager at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, in Rosyln, New York, and an American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) representative to the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD), explains ASNC’s call on Congress for to reduce prior authorization, appropriate use mandates and to make Medicare payment reforms.

ASNC lobbies Congress to curb prior authorization, oppose AUC mandates and embrace payment reform

Suman Tandon, MD, an American Society of Nuclear Cardiology board member, explains the group's call on Congress to update a number of healthcare policies.