OCT-guided PCI improves survival after life-threatening heart attacks

Images coronary calcium imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Images of coronary calcium imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). A) OCT shows superficial calcium extending to the medial layer. The calcium, where thickness can be measured due to the optical properties of light penetration through the calcium crystal. B) Co-registered image on high-definition IVUS does not allow measurement of calcium thickness. C) OCT shows superficial calcium extending to the medial layer, where thickness cannot be measured due to the limited penetration depth of light. D) Co-registered image on high-definition IVUS does not allow measurement of calcium thickness. Images and caption courtesy of EuroIntervention and Ziad A. Ali, MD, DPhil, et al. DOI: 10.4244/EIJ-D-21-00089

 

Researchers explored data from nearly 4,000 STEMI patients, noting that optical coherence tomography may be a valuable first step of any treatment strategy. 

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

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.

Image courtesy of Siemens Healthineers. 

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.