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.

ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals

The two groups stressed that tariffs would likely impact patient care.

Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US

"Domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers, who receive isotopes from abroad, would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty caused by additional tariffs,” SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce this week.

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Cardiologists are first in world to use new cooling device to terminate AFib during surgery

Patients often develop AFib during cardiac surgery, leading to longer hospital stays, additional healthcare costs and a higher risk of mortality. Cooling the oblique sinus of the patient's heart as soon as AFib starts to develop may represent a new way to stop the problem in its tracks. 

Dan Budoff explains use of CCTA to track coronary disease plaque progression

CCTA shows colchicine's impact on atherosclerosis progression

Matthew Budoff, MD, detailed new data highlighting CCTA's value when it comes to tracking the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

AI-enabled CCTA evaluations reduce use of invasive imaging exams

This two-year analysis of the FISH&CHIPS study found that using advanced AI from Heartflow to evaluate cardiac CT is safe, effective and limits the use of unnecessary follow-up tests.

Cardiologist heart

World’s first leadless LBBAP procedures linked to ‘promising’ outcomes

Cardiologists are turning to leadless pacemakers more and more for cardiac pacing, but those devices have not previously been able to perform LBBAP. This new analysis includes new data on the world’s very first leadless LBBAP procedures. 

artificial intelligence heart AI

AI predicts LBBB risk in TAVR patients prior to treatment

The authors tested out a variety of machine learning techniques, including large language models and more traditional algorithms. They focused on data that can be gathered prior to treatment, ensuring cardiologists know as much as possible before the procedure.

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‘A defining moment’: How cardiologists can get the most out of CT-guided PCI

SCAI and SCCT have collaborated on a new document designed to get more interventional cardiologists to embrace CT-guided PCI going forward. 

Around the web

One of the most formidable societies of medical professionals in the U.S. is going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy’s HHS over changing vaccination recommendations. 

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.