Cardiologist killed in bicycle accident remembered as a ‘talented and compassionate’ electrophysiologist

A bicyclist killed outside Omaha, Nebraska, on the morning of Sept. 10 has been identified as Matthew Latacha, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Methodist Health System. He was 47 years old.

Latacha had been with the Nebraska health system since 2009, specializing in electrophysiology. He was a known advocate for Boston Scientific’s Watchman left atrial appendage closure device. In 2022, he was celebrated by the health system for personally performing 200 Watchman procedures.  

In a statement from Methodist Health System, Latacha was described as a “talented and compassionate” cardiologist who was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.”

“We know that he has touched the lives of literally thousands of patients through his clinical and surgical practices,” according to the statement.  

Omaha-based WOWT reported on Latacha’s accident, noting that he died on the scene after being struck by a vehicle. The incident is still under investigation.

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.