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.

TEER associated with an added benefit for SMR patients in earlier stages of heart failure

Low levels of residual mitral regurgitation after TEER can make a big impact on patient outcomes, researchers explained in a new analysis. 

Any further safety concerns could hinder ultrasound contrast agent delivery, manufacturer warns

North Billerica, Massachusetts-based Lantheus shared its forecast in a quarterly financial report published May 4. 

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When TEER fails, most patients require mitral valve replacement

The team's findings were presented at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

SCAI 2021: Harmony TPV could ‘fundamentally alter’ care for patients with congenital heart disease

Overall, one-year findings showed that there were no instances of mortality, endocarditis, major stent fractures or surgical intervention among patients who received the Harmony TPV.

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SCAI 2021: Robotic-assisted PCI associated with strong patient outcomes, a high technical success rate

The procedure's clinical success rate was 97.8%, researchers reported. 

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SCAI 2021: 98% of new TAVR programs developed in metropolitan areas

Researchers tracked 554 TAVR programs that opened from 2012 to 2018, sharing their findings at the SCAI 2021 Scientific Sessions.

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Catheter ablation tops medication alone for treating AFib—but the risk of complications remains

Catheter ablation is associated with better outcomes for AFib patients, researchers noted, but beginning treatment with just antiarrhythmic medications may be the most practical option. 

SCAI 2021: COVID-19 especially harmful for high-risk heart attack patients

Researchers presented new data from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction registry, detailing the ongoing pandemic's "deadly impact." 

Around the web

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

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