Although measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best overall index of renal function, determining this measurement can be both costly and time consuming. A technique employing advanced visualization technology holds promise for both a quicker and lower-cost method of estimating GFR, according to research published this month in Radiology.

As electrophysiology (EP) lab volumes in the U.S. continue to rise and as new innovations in EP technologies and devices emerge, hospitals of all sizes are faced with similar supply chain issueshaving enough stock on hand, keeping physicians happy and controlling costs.

Cambridge Heart has signed a non-exclusive development and distribution agreement with an undisclosed U.S. stress test manufacturer to develop a microvolt T-Wave alternans module.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Josh Miller HEARTS Act, (H.R. 1380), legislation that establishes a federal grant program to help fund the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at elementary and secondary schools across the country. While also requiring school personnel to receive training in the operation of AEDs, the legislation will increase public awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the importance of AEDs in schools.

Patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization pacemakers at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago are breathing easier now that physicians are using a new method to help optimize heart failure therapy.

Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have an ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving a car, according to a consensus statement presented at a press conference Sunday at the EUROPACE meeting in Berlin. Driving restrictions are imposed making these recommendations an important guideline for patients.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which has allocated $19.2 billion for health IT investment by the federal government, will provide the funding catalyst for hospitals to advance their EMR capabilities, according to an online presentation made earlier this week by HIMSS Analytics Executive Vice President Michael W. Davis.

Although comparative-effectiveness research is currently a hot topic on Capitol Hill, an expert at the Stanford University School of Medicine is suggesting that policymakers take a step back and make sure that the plans for comparative-effectiveness research "go deep enough to make a difference."