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.

Circ: Risk-adjusted anticoagulation model improves outcomes

Using risk-adjusted percent time in therapeutic range can help anticoagulation control and improve patient outcomes, according to a study published in the Jan. 3 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

AJC: Education key for dual-antiplatelet therapy compliance

Physicians must better emphasize to patients the importance of continuing dual-antiplatelet therapy after stenting procedures in order to help decrease the risk of stent thrombosis, according to a study published online Dec. 24, 2010, in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Abbott recalls blood glucose test strips, after false results

Abbott Diabetes Care has recalled 359 lots of blood glucose test strips after it was found that the affected test strips may give false low blood glucose results.

Siemens to distribute Rcadia CCTA technology

Siemens Healthcare has entered an agreement to distribute Rcadia Medical Imaging's COR Analyzer system.

Hawkins to step down as Medtronic CEO, chair

William A. Hawkins, chairman and CEO of Medtronic, intends to retire at the conclusion of the current fiscal year, which will end April 29, 2011. The company said its board of directors has initiated an external search for his replacement, and Hawkins plans to remain until his successor is appointed.

Study: Focused echo FEELs right for arrest patients

Application of focused echocardiographic evaluation in life support (FEEL) in pre-hospital care is feasible, and alters diagnosis and management in a significant number of patients, according to a study in the November issue of Resuscitation.

Circ: Women: ST-segment depression & beyond

Compared to men, women with coronary heart disease present differently, have higher mortality rates and undergo fewer tests. "Given these gender differences... critical steps should be taken to identify women at the earliest stage of presentation so that appropriate therapeutic strategies can be implemented," according to research in the Dec. 14 issue of Circulation.

Mount Sinai: Nurse-doc partnership essential in todays cath labs

To quote Henry Ford: "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." This applies to the relationship between nurse and physician leaders, especially in today's cath labs. The days of nurses and physicians staying in their own silos can no longer be sustained. By Beth Oliver, RN

Around the web

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.

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