Researchers, led by Johan Heiberg, PhD, from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, were able to produce high-quality MR images of patients’ hearts using an ergometer bike mounted on an MRI scanner table.

Every year, eight million Americans visit emergency departments with acute chest pain. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is commonly used to triage patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In a recent article in Journal of the American College of Radiology, a team of researchers looked at when CCTA best served patients with acute chest pain, urging EDs to avoid use on high-risk patients according to JAMA’s Choosing Wisely recommendations.

Researchers have developed a new method of studying blood clots in 3D through optical microscopy. Such understanding of the internal architecture of clots can help cardiologists identify and diagnose clots that may put patients at risk for stroke or heart attack.

By some estimates, at least half of those with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), who are already experience cardiovascular difficulties, will require MRI during their lifetime. A research team from Changi General Hospital and Singhealth Radiology Singapore have unveiled an algorithm and contingency plan to ensure the safety of CEID patients when undergoing MRI.

A prototype developed by a Dutch team replaces a cardiac catheter’s wire leads with optical fiber, which provides both power and control. The design shows the potential for physicians to conduct measurements with MRI.

TUSTIN, Calif., July 7, 2017 – Cardiac patients at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pa., can enjoy state-of-the-art CT technology for faster and safer exams with the facility’s AquilionTM ONE ViSION Edition system from Toshiba Medical, a Canon Group company. With the premium system, physicians at Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine are able to efficiently image a wide variety of patients and are investigating the implementation of CT myocardial perfusion to improve cardiac patient care.

Cardiac imaging plays an important role in the cardiac care continuum, and choosing the right test can mean all the difference in quality care for both women and men.  

Why has the uptake of adjunctive diagnostic procedures like FFR, IVUS and OCT been slow? On the other hand, is there really a need for interventionalists to move beyond angiographic guidance?