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.

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required
Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.
FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death
This recall is due to reports of “increased resistance” when using the devices. There have been 194 customer complaints about the issue so far.
AI helps cardiologists deliver personalized healthcare—but there is still plenty of work to do
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explores the many ways AI and machine learning are being used to improve care for heart patients.
How a big CMS update on carotid stenting could impact interventional cardiology
Ken Rosenfield, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, and William Gray, MD, of Lankenau Heart Institute, detailed the long-term impact of a key policy shift.
What does radiology have to do with climate change?
Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Same-day discharge after TAVR is safe for low-risk patients, leads to considerable cost savings

Researchers aimed to shine light on this key topic, tracking data from nearly 200,000 patients.

June 2, 2022

Contrast shortage update: GE expects supply to 'progressively recover' soon

Production at the facility in Shanghai is expected to be near 100% starting on June 6.

June 2, 2022

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 glucose monitor gains FDA clearance

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears 2 new devices, grants breakthrough designation to advanced AI model

Catch up on several recent FDA announcements, including an update on the agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 1, 2022

Iodine contrast being loaded into a contrast injector in preparation for a cardiac CT scan at Duly Health and Care in Lisle, Illinois. The contrast shortage is causing some healthcare organizations to postpone exams and procedures and ration contrast supplies. Photo by Dave Fornell

ACR working with FDA and HHS to help address imaging contrast shortage

The American College of Radiology (ACR) announced this week its government relations staff has been engaging federal agencies in an effort to improve product availability and hasten resolution of the ongoing iodine contrast shortage.

May 26, 2022

Cardiac CT imaging has been moved to the forefront of medical imaging to evaluate chest pain under the new 2021 chest pain guidelines from the AHA and ACC. #Yescct #CCTA #CTA #CT

VIDEO: The new role of cardiac CT under the 2021 chest pain evaluation guidelines

Eric Williamson, MD, president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and professor of radiology at Mayo Clinic, explains the rapid rise of interest in cardiac CT imaging following its inclusion as a top recommendation in the ACC 2021 Chest Pain Evaluation Guidelines.

May 24, 2022

A comparison between a traditional iodine contrast angiogram (left), and a gadolinium contrast angiogram (right). MRI gadolinium contrast is starting to be used in some interventional radiology procedures and is being considered in interventional cardiology due to the iodine contrast shortage.

Gadolinium can be used as substitute for iodine contrast in some interventional imaging procedures

Gadolinium might be an alternative, stop-gap solution for interventional procedures during the current iodine contrast shortage.

May 23, 2022

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

VIDEO: Imaging contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia and vice chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, explains the contrast shortage situation and the tough decisions providers are being forced to make.

May 23, 2022

Kirk Garratt, past SCAI president, explains the impact of the iodine contrast shortage on interventional cardiology and the cath lab. #SCAI

VIDEO: How the iodine contrast shortage is impacting interventional cath labs

Kirk Garratt, MD, medical director of the Center for Heart and Vascular Health, ChristianaCare, and a past president of SCAI, explains what this shortage means for interventional cardiologists.

May 19, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.

Cardiovascular Business

The push for an independent cardiology board continues

Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, one of the leading voices behind efforts to create a new Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about where things stand today.

Cardiac Imaging

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death

AI helps cardiologists deliver personalized healthcare—but there is still plenty of work to do

How a big CMS update on carotid stenting could impact interventional cardiology

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Around the web