May 15, 2012 — In a keynote Founders’ Lecture at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2012 Scientific Session on May 10, Ted Feldman, M.D., FSCAI, highlighted how percutaneous valve therapies may soon be the accepted treatment for a wide range of patients.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) remains a well-entrenched imaging modality for nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) more than 30 years after its introduction. Due to SPECT’s reliability, cost-effectiveness and the wealth of data showing its clinical validation, it remains more common in MPI than its competition, positron emission tomography (PET).
May 15, 2012 – St. Jude Medical Inc., a global medical device company, announced CE mark approval and launch of its EnligHTN renal denervation system during EuroPCR. Renal denervation is a specialized ablation procedure that has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure, that is resistant to medical therapy.
Providing exceptional cardiovascular care for patients to achieve the best possible outcomes is the number one goal for ...
Hardware and software advances are enabling echocardiography to greatly expand its capability with increased quantification accuracy, ease-of-use, increased workflow efficiencies and wider use outside of echo labs. Today, cardiovascular ultrasound systems are being integrated into point-of-care for triage, and in operating rooms and cath labs for procedural guidance to cut the use of contrast and ionizing radiation.
May 15, 2012 — Reaching out to patients with a few simple phone calls significantly improves the likelihood they’ll continue to take critically important medication that keeps blood clots from clogging a new stent, according to a study presented today at the SCAI 2012 Scientific Sessions.
As an editor for DAIC and Imaging Technology News, I am a third-party observer in the cardiac and radiology markets. I also am a patient who recently received medical imaging. With both these sets of experience, I am of the opinion that physicians often miss an opportunity to connect with their patients in a critical way, one which could increase patient involvement and compliance for treatments and follow-up exams.
Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) is growing in popularity among cardiologists because it provides the ability ...
Two next-generation automated contrast injector systems were recently introduced in the United States.
Medical devices employed for injecting radio-opaque contrast media into the body to enhance the visibility of tissues for a medical imaging procedure are known as contrast injectors. Over the years, with ever-increasing technological sophistication, these contrast injectors have evolved from manual injectors having manifolds with stop-cocks to automated versions, providing added accuracy and advantages. These automated versions are known as autoinjectors. Autoinjectors are capable of controlling the amount of contrast media injected, utilization rate, and are also able to increase dosage to keep pace with fast medical imaging scanners as well as alert the physician of potential hazards, such as air embolisms or extravasations.
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a significant problem resulting from the use of iodine contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) scans and cath lab angiography. It can have a negative impact on mortality. This article outlines some of the key information on the agents themselves, possible methods of action and how to prevent and treat CIN.
When performing radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat cardiac arrhythmia, medical professionals must balance the safety ...
The radial artery approach is exceptionally well-suited for diagnostic angiography and, with a lower incidence of bleeding complications, is a favorable alternative for femoral percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The most common complications with the transradial approach are asymptomatic radial artery occlusion (3-5 percent) and radial artery perforation (less than 1 percent).
May 15, 2012 — Boston Scientific Corp. and Philips Healthcare announced a collaboration enabling Philips to sell Boston Scientific Imaging equipment in connection with its Allura Xper catheterization lab systems in territories worldwide.
Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston, Tex., has leveraged new imaging and interventional technologies to help contain and reduce costs, increase patient volume and revenues and build a reputation as a state-of-the-art heart center.
Change Healthcare Cardiology Hemodynamics is an integrated hemodynamic monitoring system for monitoring vital signs and ...
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2012 Scientific Session, held March 24-27 in Chicago, was the first major cardiology show this year for vendors to display their latest innovations. A couple of key trends were evident on the show floor – new technology to support trans-aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the launch of new cardiovascular image and information systems (CVIS) to support healthcare’s adoption of proposed Stage 2 meaningful use requirements.
May 15, 2012 — Biotronik Inc., began its U.S. launch of its new Reocor external pacemaker. The device is available in two models, for dual- and single-chamber pacing therapy, and offers individualized patient therapy, easy handling and flexibility in every detail.
Sorin Group at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) scientific sessions announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and commercial launch for a full portfolio of pacing, defibrillation and left ventricular leads. Designed for effective electrical performance and durability, each of the three lead series – Tilda pacing leads, Vigila defibrillation leads and Celerity left ventricular leads – include multiple sizes and features to enable physicians to match their implant preferences with individual patient needs.