Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography,  and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT. 

The Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) recently launched HeartMRI.org, which provides includes a general information and videos for patients and referring physicians.

SCMR launches cardiac MRI educational video to assist referring physicians 

The Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance launched a new website aimed at patients and referring physicians that includes pamphlets and videos on cardiac MRI. 

CMS could increase CCTA payments—the American College of Cardiology wants to help

CMS wants feedback after proposing a significant update to CCTA reimbursement payments. The American College of Cardiology, a longtime champion for improved cardiac CT payments, is now helping its members make their voices heard.

AISAP, an Israeli healthcare technology company focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance medical imaging results, has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its new point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) software platform, AISAP Cardio.

FDA clears AI-powered POCUS platform for structural heart disease, heart failure

The cloud-based platform was designed to help even inexperienced users scan and diagnose a majority of common heart issues within minutes without leaving the patient’s side.

Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC, FASNC, MSCCT, FASPC, associate director, cardiovascular imaging program, director, cardiac computed tomography, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a professor of medicine and radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains why Medicare is proposing increased coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) payments to hospitals.

Higher payments for CCTA could bring considerable change to cardiology

Ron Blankstein, MD, explains how and why Medicare is proposing an increase to hospital payments for coronary CT angiography.

Siemens Healthineers has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Acuson Origin, its new cardiovascular ultrasound system featuring advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The Acuson Origin represents a significant update from the prior Siemens Healthineers cardiovascular ultrasound system, the Acuson SC2000.

Siemens Healthineers gains FDA clearance for new AI-powered cardiovascular ultrasound system

The Acuson Origin system includes advanced AI algorithms designed to assist users with the treatment of diagnostic, structural heart, vascular, electrophysiological and pediatric patients. It also comes packaged with a new 4D ICE catheter capable of multiplanar reconstruction imaging with or without the use of an electrocardiogram.

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

MRI results help cardiologists predict heart failure risk

"This breakthrough suggests that heart MRI could potentially replace invasive diagnostic tests," one specialist said. 

CMS may double Medicare payments for cardiac CT

The agency is gathering feedback on a proposal to double the amount hospitals are paid for coronary computed tomography angiography, with the comment period ending Sept. 9.

artificial intelligence consultation

Generative AI explains echo results to heart patients

Researchers used OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to build 100 patient-friendly echo reports, evaluating each one for accuracy, relevance and understandability. The AI reports passed the test with flying colors. 

Around the web

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

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.