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.

GE Healthcare launches Omnipaque Oral Solution, a ready-to-drink contrast medium for computed tomography of the abdomen

GE Healthcare is launching OmnipaqueTM (iohexol) Oral Solution in the United States, a new, ready-to-drink contrast medium that can be used to help physicians diagnose medical conditions by improving the diagnostic visualization of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract.

QFR tops coronary angiography in calculating FFR, detecting stenosis

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) outperformed coronary angiography in calculating fractional flow reserve (FFR), a measurement key to determining heart blockages, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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FDA clears ultrasound tool for IV catheter insertion

EchoNous, the Seattle-based medical tool provider, recently received FDA clearance for the its ultrasound-based tool designed for nurses to improve peripheral IV (PIV) catheter placements.

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Myocardial delayed enhancement CT rivals MRI for detecting scar tissue in heart failure patients

Myocardial delayed enhancement (MDE) CT rivaled late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) MRI in the detection and classification of myocardial scar in patients with heart failure, according to a recent Radiology study. The results may help identify features of chronic heart failure.

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Informatics approach improves workflow, patient care in IVC filter

Patients with retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters used to prevent venous thromboembolisms face increased complication risks the longer their device remains in the body. Researchers created an informatics tool to address the issue.

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$21M MRI suite opens in Western Australia

Jointly funded by the federal and Western Australia (WA) governments, a $21 million state-of-the-art MRI suite for patients seeking neurosurgery recently opened in Perth, Australia, according to a July 6 article in The Australian.

Cardiac MRI, angiography similar at 3-year follow-up in CAD patients

Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) monitored with either cardiac MR (CMR) or angiography demonstrated no difference in impact rates over three years, according to a recent JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging study.

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Hybrid cardiac imaging may improve prediction of heart attack risk

In those tested for coronary artery disease, research published July 3 in Radiology suggests that cardiac hybrid imaging with CT imaging and nuclear stress testing may be an effective predictor of heart attack risk and other adverse cardiac events.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

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.

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.