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.

GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities
GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.
New scanners and strategies for the ‘golden age of CCTA’
As coronary CT angiography (CCTA) continues its rapid expansion, scanner vendors are now offering more economical solutions to ensure access to imaging technology beyond premium systems most often only found at flagship hospitals and academic centers. To conquer CCTA’s technical challenges, new technologies and AI are being incorporated into a new scanner to simplify acquisition and consistently improve image quality.
The revolution is here: AI’s growing role in cardiovascular imaging, interventional cardiology
AI has already made a massive impact on healthcare, especially in the fields of cardiology and radiology. With the FDA clearing more and more algorithms, this trend is only expected to grow as time goes on.
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.
FDA clears AI-assisted CCTA software that assesses plaques for signs of heart disease
Caristo Diagnostics, an Oxford-based medtech company founded by cardiologists, has gained FDA clearance for its CaRi-Plaque technology.

New data highlight long-term benefits of HeartFlow’s AI-based CAD evaluations

HeartFlow kicked off TCT 2024 by sharing new research on the long-term impact of its FFR_CT Analysis and Plaque Analysis software.

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease.

GE HealthCare Omni Legend PET/CT scanner production North America United States

GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

HeartFlow sharing new data on AI-enabled CAD management at TCT 2024

The California-based company, fresh off receiving expanded Medicare coverage and a new Category I CPT code for its AI offerings, will have a significant presence at TCT 2024.

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision.

FDA says CT scans sometimes damage implantable cardiac electronic devices

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA).

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

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Computed Tomography

GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities

New scanners and strategies for the ‘golden age of CCTA’

The revolution is here: AI’s growing role in cardiovascular imaging, interventional cardiology

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

FDA clears AI-assisted CCTA software that assesses plaques for signs of heart disease

Around the web