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.

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X-ray photon trajectory during the simulation phantom study from the side and top views. Due to scattering of the X-rays when they hit the lower end of the patient bed, exposure in mainly to the lower body of the interventional echocardiographer performing transesophageal echocardiography. The green lines are the scattered photon trajectories calculated by Monte Carlo simulation in the study.

Radiation exposure in the cath lab: Tracking the impact on interventional echocardiographers

Researchers found that echocardiographers in the cath lab are exposed to high doses of radiation on the right half of their body, especially the waist and lower body. 

New ASE guideline outlines training standards for interventional echocardiography

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) released a new guideline document that outlines uniform training standards for interventional sonographers guiding structural heart procedures.

Echocardiography expert Patricia A. Pellikka, MD, discussed the trend of increasing artificial intelligence (AI) integration in cardiac ultrasound with Cardiovascular Business at American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2023 meeting.

AI's growing impact on echocardiography

Cardiology has the second largest number of FDA-cleared AI algorithms, and many of them are for cardiac ultrasound. Echocardiography expert Patricia A. Pellikka, MD, discusses this trend and how AI is helping improve echo.

A figure from the ASE pediatric POCUS guidelines showing parasternal short-axis view demonstrating RV dilatation with bowing of the septum into the left ventricle, indicating pulmonary hypertension in this child with shock and pertussis.

New ASE guidance examines cardiac POCUS in children

The recommendations were developed by a writing group comprised of experts from different specialties, offering an array of perspectives and approaches.

DiA Imaging Analysis, an Israel-based healthcare technology company, has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for LVivo IQS, a new software solution designed to help users acquire high-quality echocardiography images.

FDA clears new AI-powered cardiac imaging solution

The newly approved software uses artificial intelligence to provide users with real-time feedback related to image quality.

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Cardiologists use video-based AI model to ID coronary artery disease

A team of specialists out of Cedars-Sinai developed the deep learning model using TTEs from nearly 3,000 patients.

transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

Simulations help 'accelerate the TEE learning curve' for cardiology trainees

Simulation-based training can help cardiology fellows improve their TTE abilities, even when instructors or equipment are in short supply. 

A 3D echo of a rheumatic mitral valve and a 2D image of the same valve showing the irregularly shaped valve opening. Images are part of the figures in the new ASE guidelines.

ASE releases updated rheumatic heart disease guideline

The American Society of Echocardiography released a new guideline document on the comprehensive use of echocardiography in the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of rheumatic heart disease.

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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.