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.

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices
Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.
Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology
The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients.
Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER
A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.
FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries
The bioresorbable stent, examined at length for the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, stays in place for up to three years before completely dissolving.
Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF
Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

AI model 98% accurate in echocardiogram classification—outperforming cardiologists

A study published in the journal Digital Medicine found a trained artificial intelligence (AI) platform classified echocardiogram views with 98 percent accuracy—outperforming board-certified cardiologists.

March 27, 2018

New method may improve fractional flow reserve CT accuracy

A recent study published in the April 2018 issue of Radiology optimized a four-step approach to accurately detect hemodynamically significant intermediate-stenosis lesions, which outperformed coronary CT angiography. Researchers also found using coronary contrast opacification variations to estimate blood flow distribution may improve CT fractional flow reserve accuracy.

March 26, 2018

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Philips enhances point-of-care ultrasound with Reacts platform for remote collaboration and virtual training

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, in partnership with Innovative Imaging Technologies (IIT), today announced an industry-first integrated tele-ultrasound solution based on Philips' Lumify portable ultrasound system and powered by IIT's Reacts collaborative platform.

March 26, 2018

Troponin test shows potential in detecting CAD—but imaging still needed to confirm

A high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) assay was independently predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain in the outpatient setting, researchers reported in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. However, it’s not ready to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for CAD.

March 22, 2018

Brain scanner helmet ideal for children who can't keep still

A neuroimaging helmet may be a breakthrough for children with epilepsy, babies or patients with physical disorders, according to a March 21 article published by Reuters.

March 21, 2018

Study Shows Positive Results with Medtronic Cryoballoon for Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

DUBLIN and BARCELONA, Spain - MARCH 19, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) today announced one-year results from the CRYO4PERSISTENT AF study of ablation with the Arctic Front Advance(TM) Cryoballoon to isolate the pulmonary veins in patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

March 19, 2018

Closure devices used in PFO treatment more beneficial than medication alone

A new trial suggested patients exhibiting patent foramen ovale (PFO), who received a medical device to close the opening in the heart after a stroke, had better outcomes compared to patients who received only stroke-preventing medications.

March 16, 2018

University of Minnesota produces first whole-body 10.5 Tesla MRI

The University of Minnesota has become the first to take an MRI of the entire human body using a 10.5 Tesla magnet, according to a Feb. 28 university news release.

March 14, 2018

Cardiac Imaging

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF