Comparing mechanical prosthetic and bioprosthetic mitral valves, a study in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found no significant difference in long-term survival. Researchers did discover differences in risk of reoperation, bleeding and stroke.

Although ultrasound remains the primary imaging modality used in prenatal imaging, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is playing an increasing role in further evaluation of fetuses suspected of congenital anomalies. As 3-T MRI scanners become more common due to their improved image signal-to-noise ratio and anatomical detail, the benefits of 3-T MRI must be weighed against potential risks to the fetus that may result from the higher field strength.

A study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions showed that in-hospital and 30-day stroke or death rates were equally low with either a distal filter embolic protection device (F-EPD) or a proximal EPD (P-EPD) to protect patients from blood clots during carotid artery stenting. A small sample size for one device, however, raises questions on the study’s ability to detect potentially meaningful differences in outcomes.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has launched new online products to help members improve safety practice and dose reduction techniques for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in line with revised requirements from The Joint Commission.

A new study from digital data collection provider Research Now looks into the use of mobile health apps and assesses their potential in healthcare. Research Now spoke to 500 healthcare professionals and 1,000 health app users in the United Kingdom.

Contego Medical announced the completion of a $5.6 million Series B financing round, led by Hatteras Venture Partners. Hatteras is an early stage venture firm with a focus on medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and related opportunities in human medicine. The round also included Mountain Group Partners, Lookout Capital and Medical Mutual.