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.

Cardiology, radiology specialists debate CCTA’s rise as a go-to imaging modality for CAD
CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.
FDA announces recall of cryoablation catheters after multiple injuries, including 4 deaths
Boston Scientific is recalling the catheters associated with its POLARx Cryoablation System due to a heightened risk of esophageal injury. The FDA has ruled that this a Class I recall.
FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor
The new device was designed to help patients evaluate their own heart health in real time.
Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker
The first-in-human procedures were performed in Prague with the investigational Aveir CSP leadless pacemaker system.
Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies
After the significant success of Shockwave Medical's IVL therapy to break up heavily calcified vessels without trauma, there are now several companies working on their own IVL devices.

New ESC Guidelines Support Recent Medtronic Innovations for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

DUBLIN - September 12, 2016 -   Two Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) innovations were acknowledged in updated guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC): cryoballoon ablation for patients with diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), and long-term cardiac monitoring for survivors of stroke who do not have an established diagnosis of AF.

September 12, 2016

New zip skin closures save time in cath lab, reduce tissue damage

A new noninvasive skin closure device is more efficient and effective than other models when used during heart surgery, according to findings in a new study.

September 8, 2016

Researchers launch study to evaluate risks, benefits of ECG screening in high school athletes

Researchers in Texas are launching a pilot study examining whether electrocardiograms (ECGs) are useful in identifying high school athletes who are at risk of sudden cardiac death.

September 7, 2016

Express Scripts Launches Diabetes Care Value Program℠, Guaranteeing More Affordable, Higher-Quality Diabetes Care

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX) today announced the launch of its Diabetes Care Value Program℠, the industry's most comprehensive approach to improve pharmacy care while controlling plan costs for people with diabetes.

September 1, 2016

Experts Discuss Non-Responders to CRT and AF Ablation at ESC Scientific Symposium

(PresseBox) EPIC Alliance experts at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress presented original research and real-world clinical evidence on non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation today.

August 31, 2016

BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring Proven to Reduce Risk of All-Cause Mortality for All Types of ICD Patients

(PresseBox) During a scientific talk at the 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, Dr. Gerhard Hindricks, Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, presented results of a meta-study showing that BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring® is associated with a 38 percent reduced risk for all-cause mortality after one year in all ICD patients. 

August 31, 2016

CMR- and MPS-guided care may reduce invasive angiography in patients with suspected coronary heart disease

A randomized trial found that patients with suspected coronary heart disease who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)–guided care had a significantly lower probability of unnecessary angiography within 12 months compared with patients who received National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines–directed care. The difference was not statistically different between CMR-guided care and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS)–guided care.

August 30, 2016

Medtronic Technologies Improve Delivery of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

DUBLIN and ROME - Aug. 29, 2016 - Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced results from the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Efficacy Enhancement (CRTee) study. The study showed that the Medtronic-exclusive device-based EffectivCRT(TM) during AF algorithm improves therapy delivery in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The results were presented at the 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Rome.

August 30, 2016

Around the web

Radiology Business

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

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.

Cardiac Imaging

Cardiology, radiology specialists debate CCTA’s rise as a go-to imaging modality for CAD

FDA announces recall of cryoablation catheters after multiple injuries, including 4 deaths

FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor

Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker

Intravascular lithotripsy technology now a top priority for many healthcare companies

Around the web