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.

First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required

An independent heart team blinded to ICA results was able to deliver helpful guidance for CABG procedures for 99.1% of patients using just CCTA and FFRCT alone. This approach is safe and feasible, researchers wrote, and the next step is to gather additional data. 

ACC.24: New data suggest early PCI limits risks of vulnerable plaques—cardiologists are skeptical

The PREVENT study, presented at ACC.24, examined more than 1,600 patients with high-risk plaques treated with either preventive PCI or medical therapy alone. Outcomes were much better for the PCI group after two years, but the findings may lead to more questions than answers. 

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Foluso Fakorede, MD, interventional cardiologist, Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, explains how he moved to rural Mississippi, the epicenter of the PAD and CLI epidemic, to open a practice to take action and reverse the glaring health disparities and that are leading to more than 400 leg amputations per day in the U.S.

Cardiologist moves to Mississippi to fight back against PAD and limit amputations

Interventional cardiologist Foluso Fakorede, MD, opened a practice in rural Mississippi, the epicenter of the PAD and CLI epidemic, to try and reverse the glaring health disparities in that region.

Osso VR, a San Francisco-based virtual reality (VR) company, has developed a new VR training simulation focused on left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures. The simulation is designed to offer clinicians a new way to practice LAAO procedures in a “repeatable, risk-free virtual environment.”

Cardiologist-approved VR for interventional procedures headed to ACC.24

San Francisco-based Osso VR and the American College of Cardiology have collaborated on advanced LAAO simulations. The two groups first started working together back in 2022. 

GE Healthcare has announced the upcoming launch of new artificial intelligence (AI) software compatible with the company’s Vscan Air SL handheld ultrasound system.

GE Healthcare launching new AI software for handheld ultrasound system

The company's new AI offering, a product of its 2023 acquisition of Caption Health, will make its debut at ACC.24 in Atlanta.

commercial health insurance

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death

This recall is due to reports of “increased resistance” when using the devices. There have been 194 customer complaints about the issue so far. 

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.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup