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.

$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes
PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFR_CTAnalysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years.
AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation
The combination of AI and CT helped Nehal Mehta, MD, and colleagues track the performance of a new drug designed to target coronary inflammation.
AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients
Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.
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.
CT procedure shown to reduce need for invasive cardiac testing
In a study, CT-FFR was shown to reduce the need for invasive tests to measure coronary artery blockage from 74.5% to 25.5%.

DIY heart ultrasound? Nonprofit thinks it's feasible

The democratizing power of technology is undeniable—it has put a world of information into a person’s pocket or purse. Cardiac ultrasound, however, isn’t exactly top of mind for technologies that will be the next DIY sensation. But one nonprofit plans to introduce a handheld imaging device to increase availability of ultrasound while reducing costs.

February 8, 2018

Cardiothoracic MRIs in the ICU, are they effective enough?

For patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), a successful cardiothoracic MRI is challenging but beneficial for those with intact renal function, according to a new retrospective study published in Academic Radiology. 

February 7, 2018

Wearable MRI scanner can diagnose cancer—and may eventually read minds

A new device that functions the same way as an MRI machine could change the way clinicians diagnose cancer and heart disease. Its developers also say it could eventually read people's minds. 

February 5, 2018

Why a crash diet may crash your heart's overall function

A new MRI study presented at the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) 2018 conference in Barcelona has found that crash diets can cause temporary deterioration in heart function, according to a report by Science Daily.  

February 2, 2018

Coronary artery disease imaging technology covered by 7 new payers

The noninvasive technology HeartFlow FFRct Analysis, which allows clinicians to view a 3D model of a patient's coronary blood flow will now be covered by seven new commercial payers issuing medical policies, according to a recent article by Cardiovascular Business.  

February 2, 2018

Robot-assisted histotripsy ablation noninvasively creates ablation zones

Robotically assisted sonic therapy (RAST) has proven to be effective in producing clinically relevant hepatic ablation zones without being invasive to the subject, according to a new study published in Radiology.  

February 1, 2018

PET, CT aid new method for predicting aortic rupture

Researchers used PET and CT imaging to analyze Fluorine-18-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) activity that may help clinicians improve predictions of whether abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are likely to grow more rapidly and ultimately rupture, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

February 1, 2018

MRI accident in India leads to 4-month wait for imaging exams

After a 27-year-old from India was killed Jan. 27 after being sucked into an MRI machine, Nair Hospital, where the accident took place, has stopped performing MRI scans until further notice. Patients can now expect a wait time of more than four months to receive an MRI exam.  

January 30, 2018

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Cardiac Imaging

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

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

CT procedure shown to reduce need for invasive cardiac testing

Around the web