Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

Cardiologist heart

With AFib ablation on the rise, HRS highlights importance of proper EP training

Cardiac ablation techniques and technologies are constantly evolving. Only well-trained specialists should be performing these procedures, the Heart Rhythm Society said in a new policy statement.

Focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe, effective treatment option for premature ventricular contractions (PVC), according to new data published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.[1]

PFA ablation safe, effective for treating premature ventricular contractions

Early data suggest PVC ablation with PFA technology is associated with a high success rate and minimal complications. 

Pedro Martinez Clark, MD, explains treatment options for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients.

PAD patients have a wide variety of treatment options

Patients often have misconceptions about the different PAD treatments that are currently available. Pedro Martinez Clark, MD, outlined those options for a new video interview.

Heart tissues within one of the Johns Hopkins space launch-ready chambers for study aboard the International Space Station. Photo from Jonathan Tsui.

Space travel disrupts normal rhythm in heart cells

Heart tissue samples that spent 30 days at the International Space Station appear to have been weakened by the low gravity conditions in space. This finding has implications for the heart health of astronauts.

Erin R. Stevens, CNMT, NCT, director of nuclear medicine at Oregon Heart Center, said training physicians for what is needed in cardiac PET documentation is key for preventing issues with prior authorizations. ASNC photo

Good documentation is the key to cardiac PET prior authorizations

Knowing what, exactly, is needed in cardiac PET documentation is one of the best ways to limit prior authorization issues.

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.

Researchers have found that homemade play-putty can effectively capture electrocardiogram (ECG) signals at a level comparable to commercially available electrodes. The play-putty is made with a simple mix of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil—but the potential is much more than one may expect.

Homemade electrodes made of putty capture heart data as well as some commercial devices

The putty, made with basic ingredients found around the house, can effectively capture ECG measurements.

Banner ASC in Sun City, Arizona.

Women urged to overcome radiation fears, consider a career in interventional cardiology

"The underrepresentation of women in interventional cardiology is a significant concern," according to one cardiologist behind the new campaign. 

Around the web

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

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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