Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound uses reflected sound waves (echos) to create images of anatomy inside the body. Echocardiograms are the primary cardiac imaging modality used to assess the heart and diagnose or track cardiac issues. Echo is the gold standard imaging modality to assess the heart, particularly with calculating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is a measure of cardiac output. In addition to noninvasive standard transthoracic echo (TTE), invasive transesophgeal echo (TEE) is also used when clearer, more detailed imaging of the heart is needed. Both 3D and 4D echo echo systems are rapidly gaining wider adoption and enable new types of assessments, especially in the structural heart space and in transcatheter procedural guidance. Find news on general ultrasound imaging.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

MRI results help cardiologists predict heart failure risk

"This breakthrough suggests that heart MRI could potentially replace invasive diagnostic tests," one specialist said. 

artificial intelligence consultation

Generative AI explains echo results to heart patients

Researchers used OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to build 100 patient-friendly echo reports, evaluating each one for accuracy, relevance and understandability. The AI reports passed the test with flying colors. 

ASE President Ted Abraham, MD, speaking at the ASE HCM forum in 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

Cardiologist begins term as American Society of Echocardiography's new president

Cardiologist Theodore Abraham, MD, has been an ASE member for more than two decades. He is now the organization's 2024-2025 president. 

Stretching may help reduce painful orthopedic issues among echo and interventional lab staff

Orthopedic issues are the biggest work-related injury in cardiology, but this low cost intervention may help.

commercial health insurance

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

Luc Mertens, MD, section head of echocardiography at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, explains application of ultrafast ultrasound and blood speckle imaging in echocardiography

Vector flow and blood speckle echocardiography imaging may unveil new clinical insights

Luc Mertens, MD, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, explains research and potential uses for ultrafast echo imaging.

Displaying 9 - 16 of 130

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
New AI program delivers rapid, accurate echo video assessments

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Radiology Business
Key Medicare reimbursement and No Surprises Act updates from RSNA 2024

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

Cardiovascular Business
Philips, Mayo Clinic using AI to improve cardiac MRI technology

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.