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.

American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) President David H. Wiener, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASE, director of clinical operations at the Jefferson Heart Institute, and a clinical professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, explains the growing number of multimodality cardiac imaging experts and how imaging societies need to change to meet their needs.

Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging

ASE President David Wiener detailed some of the many ways imaging societies need to adapt now that so many imagers are specializing in multiple modalities. It may be time to change how annual conferences are scheduled, for example, so that the costs of travel are easier to manage.

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Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results

Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

The Medtronic Liberant thrombectomy system.

New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time

The new device uses an advanced algorithm to regulate aspiration and conserve blood. Ajit Rao, MD, a vascular surgeon with The Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedure.

Milestone Pharmaceuticals has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for etripamil, a new nasal spray for adult patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

FDA approves new nasal spray for patients with abnormal heart rhythms

Milestone Pharmaceuticals will be selling etripamil under the brand name Cardamyst. It is expected to hit the U.S. market in early 2026.

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Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE

Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.

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FDA clears next-generation cardiac mapping software

San Diego-based Vektor Medical first secured FDA clearance for the AI-powered technology back in 2021. This updated announcement covers the latest version, which includes atrial flutter mapping and several other new features.

AI-powered FFR-CT software linked to considerable cost savings, accurate predictions

According to Heartflow, its AI offering saves health systems nearly $1,400 per patient thanks to reductions in unnecessary cardiovascular testing.

Reimbursement expected to drive implementation of CCTA, coronary plaque analysis

For years, imaging experts have predicted that CCTA may become the primary imaging modality for coronary artery disease and eliminate the need for invasive diagnostic catheterizations. That prediction is now coming true.