Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound uses reflected sound waves (echos) to create images of anatomy inside the body. Echocardiograms are the primary cardiac imaging modality used to assess the heart and diagnose or track cardiac issues. Echo is the gold standard imaging modality to assess the heart, particularly with calculating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is a measure of cardiac output. In addition to noninvasive standard transthoracic echo (TTE), invasive transesophgeal echo (TEE) is also used when clearer, more detailed imaging of the heart is needed. Both 3D and 4D echo echo systems are rapidly gaining wider adoption and enable new types of assessments, especially in the structural heart space and in transcatheter procedural guidance. Find news on general ultrasound imaging.

Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor
The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.
ASE updates recommendations for assessing right heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
The new guidelines were designed to ensure sonographers and other members of the heart team have the information they need to screen patients when appropriate and identify early warnings signs of PH.
Popular TAVR valves linked to comparable long-term outcomes
Second-generation TAVR valves from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences and Boston Scientific are all associated with similar seven-year outcomes, according to a new retrospective study out of Italy.
ASE shares new guidelines for ultrasound-guided vascular access
The American Society of Echocardiography included descriptions, diagrams and ultrasound images in the new document to make it as helpful as possible.
Key details on the use of ICE to guide structural heart procedures
Scott Lim, MD, details his experience using intracardiac echo to help guide structural heart procedures with or without traditional TEE. One key benefit of ICE, he explained, is its ability to overcome imaging challenges posed by prior cardiac surgeries.

Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.

Standard transthoracic imaging planes for comprehensive right heart assessment. Several key views should be included in the standard echocardiographic assessment of the right heart. Image and caption courtesy of the American Society of Echocardiography.

ASE updates recommendations for assessing right heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension

The new guidelines were designed to ensure sonographers and other members of the heart team have the information they need to screen patients when appropriate and identify early warnings signs of PH.

The Medtronic CoreValve Evolut and the Edwards Lifesciences Sapien 3 TAVR valves.

Second-generation TAVR valves from Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences and Boston Scientific are all associated with similar seven-year outcomes, according to a new retrospective study out of Italy.

Figure from the new ASE guideline for ultrasound guided vascular access, showing vessel and probe orientation on the transverse plane short axis (SAX) view perpendicular to the vessels, or in longitudinal long axis plane (LAX) coaxial to the vessels. Image courtesy of ASE

ASE shares new guidelines for ultrasound-guided vascular access

The American Society of Echocardiography included descriptions, diagrams and ultrasound images in the new document to make it as helpful as possible.

D. Scott Lim, MD, medical director of the Advanced Cardiac Valve Center, and co-director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at University of Virginia (UVA) Health in Charlottesville, and an associate professor at the University British Columbia, explains how intracardiac echo (ICE) is increasingly being used to help guide structural heart procedures.

Key details on the use of ICE to guide structural heart procedures

Scott Lim, MD, details his experience using intracardiac echo to help guide structural heart procedures with or without traditional TEE. One key benefit of ICE, he explained, is its ability to overcome imaging challenges posed by prior cardiac surgeries.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Valve durability after TAVR: Cardiologists track how deterioration influences outcomes

Researchers have made it a priority to learn as much about the durability of TAVR valves as possible. A new study in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions used updated VARC-3 definitions to identify signs of hemodynamic valve deterioration in nearly 2,500 patients.

FDA has now cleared more than 1,000 AI models, including many in cardiology

Cardiology is the medical speciality with the second most FDA clearances overall.

James N. Kirkpatrick, MD, a veteran cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist with the University of Washington, died unexpectedly on Jan. 1. He was 54 years old.

Cardiologist remembered for his ‘great empathy, love and generosity’

James N. Kirkpatrick, MD, a cardiologist with the University of Washington, died unexpectedly on Jan. 1. Colleagues have shared loving tributes to Kirkpatrick, highlighting his passion for ethics and strong leadership skills.

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