Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

HeartLung Technologies, a Houston-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new software that assesses chest CT scans for signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other potentially fatal heart conditions. The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic heart evaluations in mind.

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

Using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platforms to assess imaging results and quantify coronary plaque buildup can help clinicians predict adverse events in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), according to late-breaking data presented at TCT 2024 in Washington, D.C.

AI-enabled plaque assessments help cardiologists ID high-risk CAD patients

AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments deliver significant value, according to late-breaking data presented at TCT. These AI platforms have gained considerable momentum in recent months, receiving expanded Medicare coverage in addition to a new Category I CPT code.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

Abbott CGM sensors can now be worn during common imaging procedures

Sensors from the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring systems can now be worn during X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. The news represents a shift in policy from the FDA, one that came after the agency reviewed extensive testing data.

New data highlight long-term benefits of HeartFlow’s AI-based CAD evaluations

HeartFlow kicked off TCT 2024 by sharing new research on the long-term impact of its FFRCT Analysis and Plaque Analysis software.

robot reviewing heart data

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

FDA says CT scans sometimes damage implantable cardiac electronic devices

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

Cardiovascular Business
FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

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