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.

Abbott's TactiFlex flexible tip, force sensing ablation catheter (right), and its integration with the EnSite X EP mapping system (left) showing the distance from the last ablation. and the contact force during an AFib pulmonary vein isolation.

FDA clears first ablation catheter with flexible electrode tip, contact force sensing

Contact force-sensing catheters were developed to help overcome the issue of incomplete ablation lesions.

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‘Notably high’ rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety seen in patients with implantable heart devices

"Psychologists have had little involvement in the care of cardiac patients but this needs to change," one researcher said in a statement. 

Video of Jon Lindner explaining the use of ultrasound and bubble contrast for therapy.

Cardiac ultrasound could lead to key advances in heart attack care, drug delivery

Jonathan Lindner, MD, offers an update on the use of echocardiography and bubble contrast agents in a therapy role to help revascularize STEMI patients and increase drug and gene delivery.

The Surmodics Pounce Thrombectomy System

FDA clears new ‘grab-and-go’ interventional device for below-the-knee blood clot removal

The new device was designed to remove thrombi and emboli from peripheral arteries ranging from 2 to 4 mm. 

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‘A hugely significant development’: Severe heart condition reverses in 3 patients, shocking experts

Cardiologists and other physicians have always believed cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis, a progressive heart condition associated with a high mortality rate, was irreversible. Now, though, new evidence suggests that there may be hope. 

Part of the graphical results from the Cedars-Sinai AI cardiac risk assessment tool from basic data like the patient’s age, gender, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure, and AI interpretation of cardiac imaging.

New Cedars-Sinai AI tool may predict cardiac events and better assess risk

Cedars-Sinai researchers are developing a deep-learning algorithm to personalize patient cardiac risk predictions in a patient-friendly, graphical report.

The Medtronic pulsed field ablation (PFA) system.

Pulsed field ablation shows more positive data as treatment for AFib

Pulsed field ablation is one of the biggest technology trends in cardiac electrophysiology and may become a new standard of care in atrial fibrillation the coming years based on clinical data.

Ear-clip device offers non-pharmacological treatment for postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). #HRS2023 #HRS

Ear clip offers non-pharmacological treatment for postural tachycardia syndrome

An ear clip device has been shown to effectively stimulate nerves to treat postural tachycardia syndrome.

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.