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.

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%.
First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required
An independent heart team blinded to ICA results was able to deliver helpful guidance for CABG procedures for 99.1% of patients using just CCTA and FFR_CT alone. This approach is safe and feasible, researchers wrote, and the next step is to gather additional data.
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.

RBMA Selects vRad for its Value Innovation Lab At Fall Educational Conference Sept. 27-29

vRad (Virtual Radiologic), an affiliate of MEDNAX, Inc. (NYSE: MD) and the nation’s leading telemedicine company and radiology practice, announced today that it was selected to present during the “Value Innovation Lab” roundtable session at the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) 2015 Fall Educational Conference taking place in Austin, Texas September 27-29, 2015.

September 23, 2015

Siemens delivers comprehensive tools to tackle perceived complexity around cardiac MR

Siemens Healthcare is providing a range of tools and advanced technology to help tackle the perception that cardiac MR is complex and unattainable for widespread use. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK, or around 160,000 deaths each year.

September 21, 2015

Philips and Catharina Hospital sign technology agreement for new and largest cardiovascular center in the Netherlands

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) and Catharina Hospital (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) today signed an agreement for the installation of Philips’ advanced medical technologies in Catharina Hospital’s new cardiovascular center, which is currently under construction and due to open its doors in mid-2016.

September 14, 2015

Myocardial perfusion imaging has low yield for detecting ischemia in AF patients

An analysis of patients with atrial fibrillation at the Cleveland Clinic found the yield of using myocardial perfusion imaging for detecting ischemia was low and did not significantly increase with increasing cardiovascular risk. Ischemia was not associated with mortality, either.

September 14, 2015

Texas Hospital Retrofits X-ray Systems with DRX Detectors To Speed Image Access in Trauma Center

Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo, Texas) installed three CARESTREAM DRX-1 Detectors to help achieve rapid image access for existing portable and room-based X-ray units that serve patients in its trauma center, ICU, and surgical suites. 

September 3, 2015

Konica Minolta Launches New CR System with Low-Cost Upgrade Path to DR

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging announced today the new SIGMA II CS-7s Computed Radiography (CR) system, designed to deliver enterprise level imaging to community hospitals, clinics and private practices. 

September 1, 2015

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes Receives Approval to Begin Routine Production of Molybdenum-99 at University of Missouri Research Reactor

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes LLC has received approval to begin routine production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) facility in Columbia, Missouri. 

August 31, 2015

Latest Generation of DRX Plus Detectors Are Faster, Lighter; Contain New Features to Improve Image Quality and Performance

Carestream Health introduced its third generation of DRX detectors that are faster and lighter than previous generations and offer a host of features to help users achieve higher productivity and improved image quality. 

August 26, 2015

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 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

First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

Around the web