Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

ASNC asks Congress to officially repeal the AUC mandate for advanced medical imaging
Medicare rescinded the provision in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but the law remains on the books.
Updated HeartFlow technology offers interactive features, full integration with FFR-CT
HeartFlow is using SCCT 2024 to introduce the world to its updated Plaque Analysis platform. “Accurately diagnosing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease is critical for determining the best treatment," Chief Medical Officer Campbell Rogers, MD, explained.
New imaging technique captures human heart with 'unprecedented detail'
The new images were captured at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. One specialist called them "Google Earth for the human heart."
SCCT aims to provide common language for CCTA use with updated guidance
The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography has developed a new expert consensus document designed to get physicians on the same page when discussing this growing technology.
AI uses imaging results to ID high-risk TAVR patients with speed, accuracy
Researchers developed an advanced AI model capable of extracting measurements from unprocessed CT images in seconds. It then uses those data to evaluate the patient's mortality risk if they underwent TAVR.

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) is asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use software provision mandate, which physicians say is an obstacle to efficient care. American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is asking Congress now in June 2024 to officially repeal the appropriate use criteria requirement for admined medical imaging in a letter to Congress. Medicare rescinded the provision in 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but the law remains on the books.

ASNC asks Congress to officially repeal the AUC mandate for advanced medical imaging

Medicare rescinded the provision in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but the law remains on the books.

July 19, 2024

HeartFlow introduced its next generation artificial intelligence (AI) Plaque Analysis with an interactive experience at SCCT 2024. It shows a 3D plaque model and analysis by territory across calcified, non-calcified and low-attenuation plaques. This includes viewing cross-sectional, color-coded images of each plaque type where it was quantified along the vessel. #SCCT #SCCT24 #SCCT2024

Updated HeartFlow technology offers interactive features, full integration with FFR-CT

HeartFlow is using SCCT 2024 to introduce the world to its updated Plaque Analysis platform. “Accurately diagnosing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease is critical for determining the best treatment," Chief Medical Officer Campbell Rogers, MD, explained.

July 18, 2024

Researchers with University College London and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) have used a new X-ray technique, hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT), to capture images of the human heart in unprecedented detail. The group shared its images, as well as a full analysis, in Radiology.[1]

New imaging technique captures human heart with 'unprecedented detail'

The new images were captured at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. One specialist called them "Google Earth for the human heart."

July 17, 2024

Coronary CCTA cardiac CT training for interventional cardiologists, GE session at TCT 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

SCCT aims to provide common language for CCTA use with updated guidance

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography has developed a new expert consensus document designed to get physicians on the same page when discussing this growing technology.

July 16, 2024

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

AI uses imaging results to ID high-risk TAVR patients with speed, accuracy

Researchers developed an advanced AI model capable of extracting measurements from unprocessed CT images in seconds. It then uses those data to evaluate the patient's mortality risk if they underwent TAVR.

June 4, 2024

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis. A European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging study compared the noninvasive Plaque Analysis technology developed by HeartFlow, which uses advanced AI algorithms to evaluate coronary CT angiography (CCTA) images, with coronary plaque assessments achieved by using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The REVEALPLAQUE trial included data from 237 patients. Plaque Analysis showed strong correlation and high accuracy when compared with IVUS.

AI-based coronary plaque assessments 1 step closer to Medicare coverage

According to a new proposal, using AI to evaluate CCTA results and quantify plaque buildup is “reasonable and medically necessary” in certain clinical scenarios.

June 3, 2024

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Complete Care to acquire a majority of its long-term care facilities.

Osteosarcopenia linked to much higher risk of death after TAVR—CT screening may prove valuable

Osteosarcopenia, an age-related condition associated with deterioration in the muscles and bones, nearly triples a patient’s risk of dying within one year of undergoing TAVR.

May 30, 2024

Cardiologists ID signs of widespread heart disease in ancient mummies

Researchers evaluated vascular samples from more than 200 mummies, presenting their findings in European Heart Journal.

May 29, 2024

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