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.

Deferred testing for low-risk chest pain patients is safe, limits unnecessary catheterizations

Once physicians confirm a patient's CAD risk is low, they can feel comfortable putting diagnostic testing on hold. 

Example of the Siemens Origin AI-automated cardiac ultrasound system performing auto contours and measurements after the AI sees what is being imaged and the operator hits the AI button on the console. The system is designed to be an assistant to the operator and knows the next steps in the exams.

Siemens Healthineers unveils 'truly revolutionary' AI-enabled echo system

The new-look system is able to evaluate a situation and anticipate what users may need next.

Beloved cardiologist Albert Waldo remembered for his lasting impact on electrophysiology

Waldo was a founding member of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, which is now known as the Heart Rhythm Society, and was revered for his helpfulness and kindness.

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. These structural heart procedures require a team approach.

TAVR safe and effective for severe AS patients with a very low gradient

Yes, all-cause cause mortality is higher among TAVR patients with a very low baseline gradient, but the difference is almost entirely due to those patients presenting with more comorbidities. 

Video of ASE President Stephen Little, MD, discussing trends in interventional echo at the ASE 2023 annual meeting.

Interventional echocardiography expected to grow thanks to new structural heart procedures

American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) President Stephen Little, MD, says there will be an increasing need for interventional echocardiographers in the near future.

Video of ASE lobbyists explaining issues with Medicare funding policy reform in Washington DC.

Key government policies impacting cardiac ultrasound

Two experienced lobbyists who represent the American Society of Echocardiography detailed some of the biggest issues they are working on in Washington.

device implantation during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures

Mitigating risk: How the depth of device implantation impacts LAAO outcomes

Researchers examined data from more than 1,300 procedures, presenting their findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

A complete list of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2023 Congress late-breaking Hot Line sessions. #ESCCongress

ESC Congress 2023 to feature 30 late-breaking clinical trials

The European Society of Cardiology's annual meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25-28, 2023, in Amsterdam.

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.