After almost a week of covering the latest in cardiovascular news in the Windy City, it is time to reflect. At this years American College of Cardiovascular Administrators (ACCA) meeting, hospital thought leaders discussed what it takes to integrate the most innovative technologies and ways to incorporate the most cost-effective, quality-driven programs. This years American College of Cardiology (ACC) scientific session included clinical triumphs in anticoagulants and imaging techniques, among others, intertwined with the latest in research for a thought-provoking meeting. But both meetings left us asking one question, Where is healthcare headed?

St. Jude Medical has received FDA clearance for multiple enhancements to its PressureWire fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement guidewire.

The FDA has completed the setup of a new pilot program that will exempt medical device manufacturers from certain quality auditing for one year if they voluntarily submit satisfactory audit documentation. The program is set to launch June 5.

Seeking to render the FDAs Feb. 2011 rule on medical device data systems (MDDS) in user-friendly language, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has crafted a new guide.

The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC), a nonprofit standards development organization and accrediting body, announced the appointment of two new commissioners. Luigi Leblanc was appointed in December 2011, while Deborah Meisner was added in February 2012. They join 13 existing commissioners and consumer representatives from both private and public organizations and will serve the organization through 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Toshiba America Medical Systems showed its volume CT system paired with Vital Images software and vascular x-ray system at recent scientific meetings.

Siemens Healthcare has expanded its portfolio with RaySafe i2, a personal dosimetry system as an accessory for its Artis zee angiography systems.

NeuroLogica has received CE Mark approval for BodyTom, a portable, full body, multi-slice CT scanner.