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.

FDA approves AI startup’s new software for echo assessments
iCardio.ai, co-founded by a cardiologist, is part of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program. The startup has already announced new partnerships with Viz.ai, Abbott and others in the cardiac health space.
Ultrafast myocardial contrast echocardiography shows early potential to evaluate CAD
Ultrafast MCE could go on to become a go-to treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to the authors of a new first-in-human clinical study.
ASE establishes vocabulary for cardiac POCUS to promote consistency
As cardiac point-of-care ultrasound use continues to grow outside of traditional echo labs, the American Society of Echocardiography is working to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Asymmetrical valve expansion after TAVR a cause for concern
Calcified debris can sometimes lead to stent frame issues that cause a patient's TAVR valve to expand asymmetrically. Few studies have explored the potential impact of valve asymmetry—until now.
A glimpse into the future: FDA has cleared multiple AR, VR tools for cardiology
Heart teams already have access to several augmented reality and virtual reality offerings, and many more are on the way.

ASE: Are cardiovascular sonographers at high risk of radiation exposure?

There is growing concern among cardiac sonographers about the amount of radiation exposure they experience on the job and few say their workplace has a formal policy to address radiation safety for sonographers, according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Echocardiography.

September 30, 2011

New ASE guidelines offer clarity for right ventricular assessment

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has published new guidelines to improve the existing norms of the right heart in the July issue of the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. The recommended procedures will establish a more uniform method of evaluating the size and function of the right ventricle, said the society.

July 7, 2010

ASE: Biomarkers may predict chemo-related cardiotoxicity

According to research presented during the 21st annual scientific sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in San Diego this week, cardiac troponin plasma concentrations and longitudinal strain can predict the development of cardiotoxicity in patients treated with anthracyclines and trastuzumab chemotherapies.

June 15, 2010

ASE recommends contrast agent usage in echoes

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has issued a consensus statement, supporting the use of contrast agents used to enhance echocardiogram images, and providing a guide for physicians who may be hesitant to use the contrast agents following a 2007 FDA black-box warning. The statement was published in the November issue of Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

November 13, 2008

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Health Imaging

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

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

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

Echocardiography

FDA approves AI startup’s new software for echo assessments

Ultrafast myocardial contrast echocardiography shows early potential to evaluate CAD

ASE establishes vocabulary for cardiac POCUS to promote consistency

Asymmetrical valve expansion after TAVR a cause for concern

A glimpse into the future: FDA has cleared multiple AR, VR tools for cardiology

Around the web