Since the introduction of the 64 multi-slice CT scanner, studies have examined the utility of this technology for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiologists are rapidly adopting this technology to perform CT Angiography (CTA) for detecting CAD.

More than ever before, cardiologists are adopting CT as the new standard for cardiac care. In the last five years, CT’s popularity as a diagnostic tool has exploded. Its ability to produce slices as thin as 0.5 mm creates a platform for evaluating patients, detecting disease at early stages and designing treatment roadmaps.

CT scanners have evolved over the years and are showing to have applications in the emergent and non-emergent evaluation of underlying cardiovascular issues. The general acceptance for cardiovascular evaluation by CT is limited due to ongoing studies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70 million Americans currently live with ...

iffering approaches for the treatment of coronary bifurcation and ostial lesions (CBOL) continue to feed the debate over which stent designs and stenting techniques are most effective.

Just when drug-eluting stents (DES) were going to revolutionize interventional cardiology, new reports that DES may be associated with increased risk of late-stent thrombosis have many physicians putting the brakes on DES use. Despite this significant bump in the road, stent manufacturers are forging ahead with clinical trials on novel systems and on plans to roll out new DES platforms in 2008.