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.

Farapulse Boston Scientific Pulsed Field Ablation PFA fda approval

Boston Scientific’s Farapulse PFA system receives expanded approval

The technology first gained CE mark approval for the treatment of paroxysmal AFib in 2021, when PFA was still brand new. Now, thanks to positive results from the ADVANTAGE AF clinical trial, it is approved for persistent AFib as well. 

FDA recall medical device recall product recall

FDA confirms more recalls for Johnson & Johnson heart pumps due to malfunction risk

The issue, first announced to the public in February, has been linked to 22 serious injuries. Customers are urged to review the updated instructions for use to avoid any potential complications. 

Radiation doses during heart scans vary dramatically from one country to the next

Newer imaging technologies designed to use less radiation have made a considerable impact. In parts of the world where those systems have not yet been implemented, however, radiation dose levels remain quite high. 

Whole-body MRI provider starts offering AI-powered CCTA scans

Patients electing to undergo a whole-body MRI at one Florida facility are now able to undergo a CCTA exam at the same time. All results are interpreted by a cardiologist, and the patient meets with a physician for a one-on-one consultation.  

Matthew Summers, MD, FACC, program director for structural heart, Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, explains how his center used a new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) 3D CT planning software to better identify patients who are at high risk of complications. The software also enables the heart team to test the best placement of various valves to create a procedure plan tailored for each patients unique anatomy.

3D software helps cardiologists plan ahead for TAVR complications

Serious complications are rare after TAVR, but they can be catastrophic or fatal when they do occur. The care team at Sentara Heart Hospital found that bringing in new 3D software made it much easier to plan ahead for such issues. 

simulation of the conduction pathway relative to various cardiac structures.

FDA clears AI-powered platform that personalizes care during TAVR, cardiac pacing procedures

The newly cleared CARA System from Cara Medical was designed to help clinicians before and during a variety of cardiac procedures. It provides a personalized 3D map of the patient's cardiac conduction system and then overlays that map onto live fluoroscopic images.

Patients exposed to significantly more radiation during cardiac imaging exams in some regions

New research is sounding the alarm on the amount of radiation patients undergoing cardiac imaging are exposed to, prompting experts to call for updated protocols. 

Pei-Ni Jone explains ASE push for 3D TEE in congenital heart

ASE promoting 3D echo as a better way to treat congenital heart disease

The introduction of a 3D pediatric transesophegeal echo probe is having a major impact on how these pediatric congenital heart patients are being treated.