The nuclear cardiology department at Ochsner Health System, a New Orleans-based multi-hospital organization with facilities peppered throughout southern Louisiana, is revising its cardiac imaging model and implementing a flow-based imaging program. Leveraging the Positron Attrius cardiac PET system, the new model is characterized by highly accurate patient diagnosis and treatment and judicious use of healthcare resources. Its a win-win proposition, says Robert Bober, MD, director of nuclear cardiology. Sponsored by an educational grant from Positron.

In this era of healthcare reform and decreasing reimbursements for independent practices, producing quality care has become synonymous with transparency and economic efficiency.

Heart failure and complex coronary artery disease are persistent problems in the U.S. and a significant beneficiary of healthcare dollars. A model of care emerging for these patients is a strategy that focuses on the continuum of care. At Ochsner Medical Centers Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans, physicians have taken a multidisciplinary approach to treating these high-risk patient populations. Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an integral part of Ochsners strategy to improve care for these very sick patients.

While a plethora of research has reinforced the clinical benefits of performing catheter-based proceduresdiagnostic and PCIvia the radial artery compared with the femoral artery, some hospital executives question whether the fiscal and workflow benefits of employing this technique will be equally beneficial. Four providers speak to their reasons for adopting a transradial program, along with the economic and practice management considerations.

Sharp HealthCare is a not-for-profit, integrated regional healthcare delivery system that includes four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals and two medical groups and multiple clinics in the San Diego area.

Since the clinical benefits of fractional flow reserve (FFR) were confirmed with the release of the FAME study in January 2009, the technology has gained wider adoption. To assess its impact on contemporary cath labs, five interventionalists came together from across the U.S. to discuss the economic considerations.

The field of electrophysiology is increasingly moving toward performing more and more complex cardiac arrhythmia procedures. These procedures, which can last up to four hours, demand steady hands, a sturdy back and great concentration.

Coronary CT angiography is making its mark on 21st century cardiac medicine. Cardiac imaging pioneers across the globe are demonstrating that dynamic volume CT improves and accelerates patient care and cuts costs by reducing length of stay. It also facilitates diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis, allowing cardiologists to prescribe preventive treatment to at-risk patients earlier in the disease process.