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.

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Philips buys Volcano’s IVUS, FFR assets for $1B

Royal Philips will pay $1 billion to acquire the catheter-based imaging company Volcano Corp. The deal is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2015.

Asymptomatic, moderate regurgitation may not warrant annual echo exam

Frequent echocardiography may not be needed for patients with asymptomatic, moderate aortic or mitral regurgitation, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Do the math: Echo markups equal profits

It doesn’t take a mathematician to see that the cost structure for echocardiograms in the U.S. is wacky. The New York Times illustrates that price variability with an anecdote of one retired math professor whose bills for two echo exams differed by $4,100. 

CT angiography helps screen asymptomatic patients

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) may be justified in asymptomatic patients with a high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and might even oust coronary calcium scoring as the best option for screening these patients.

Medtronic Receives FDA Approval and Launches Two New Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Quadripolar Leads

Medtronic  today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and commercial launch of two additional Attain Performa left ventricular (LV) quadripolar leads, which can be paired with the Medtronic Viva Quad XT and Viva Quad S cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D) to treat patients with heart failure. The newest additions to the Attain Performa lead portfolio, the S-shape and Straight leads, are designed to accommodate patients' varying vessel sizes and curvatures to enhance successful lead placement. Quadripolar leads (leads with four electrodes) help physicians optimize cardiac resynchronization therapy, which uses an implantable device to improve the pumping efficiency of the heart.

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Prognostic value in NIRS? There's a glimmer

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may help cardiologists identify at-risk patients with coronary artery disease—one day, that is. In a single-center study, NIRS showed potential as a tool with prognostic value.

Cabin protects head, feet from radiation during device extractions

A cabin that shields operators during cardiac device extractions drastically cut radiation to their heads and feet without requiring heavy lead aprons, according to a study published in the December issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

CT-based tool finds subgroups with increased risk of secondary stroke

Imaging with CT may help provide clinicians with a clearer picture of a patient’s secondary stroke risk, a group of Canadian researchers found in a study of patients with a transit ischemic attack or a non-disabling stroke. 

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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.

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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.