Volcano is acquiring Sync-Rx, an Israeli software developer that focuses on coronary catheterizations, in a deal reported to total $17.3 million.

Using EHRs and letters mailed to at-risk patients, physicians doubled the proportion of patients who received new lipid-lowering drug prescriptions. However, study results failed to show an improvement in levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at nine months and only modest improvements at 18 months.

In February 2012, the 117-bed TriStar Centennial Heart & Vascular Center in Nashville, Tenn., started considering ways to expand its success as a STEMI-referral site. The center turned to AirStrip Cardiology to put access to real-time EKG data in the palm of the physicians’ hands. Physicians can now view EKG data via iPad or iPhone before the patient even reaches the hospital. Sponsored by an educational grant from AirStrip.

Bleeps, chirps and a cacophony of warning alarms assault nurses and physicians in today’s hospital units. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Several hospitals have taken steps to reduce this auditory overload in an effort to help caregivers discern between important notifications and mere noise.

Physicians are more responsive to EHR quality improvement prompts when the reminders are offered in combination with individual feedback and financial incentives, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

Edwards Lifesciences, a developer of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring systems, has completed the acquisition of Bmeye, a privately held Amsterdam company that develops noninvasive technologies for hemodynamic monitoring in the surgical, intensive care, emergency room and cardiology settings.

Sites that adhered to a simple algorithm for when to change and when not to change warfarin dose were associated with improved anticoagulation control, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in Circulation.

Please watch this webcast and Q&A with clinical, administrative and IT leaders answering questions and addressing your concerns regarding the implementation of a cardiology PACS system.