February 1, 2012 — Boston Scientific announced the first patient use and European market launch of the Promus Element Plus everolimus-eluting coronary stent system. The first patient implant in Europe using the new device was performed by Professor Antonio Colombo, M.D., director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Columbus Hospital and San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy.

January 31, 2012 — At the upcoming February meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) in Orlando, Fla. TomTec will introduce its 2-D Cardiac Performance Analysis magnetic resonance (MR) software product. The tool to quantify myocardial function and deformation based on regular cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Updated appropriate use criteria offer detailed guidance on when to use an invasive procedure to improve blood flow to the heart and how to choose the best procedure for each patient. The clinical scenarios, written by a group of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms.

January 30, 2012 — Positron Corp., a molecular imaging healthcare company specializing in the field of nuclear cardiology, announced Jan. 23 that its wholly owned subsidiary, Manhattan Isotope Technology (MIT), received approval for its radioactive materials license amendment. The Texas Department of State Health Services -- Radiation Control Program granted the amendment approval.

January 30, 2012 — Expanded cholesterol assessment of moderate risk patients can play an important role in identifying and monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis. That’s according to a clinical study that used the Vertical Auto Profile (VAP) cholesterol test to analyze lipids potentially associated with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).

January 27, 2012 — A miniature, battery-free, wireless, cardiac implant being developed by a University of Michigan researcher and the Ann Arbor, Mich., company Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS), has received funding that could get it to patients more quickly.

January 27, 2012 — Arizona Heart has chosen Ziehm digital flat-panel C-arms for its three advanced technology suites. The Ziehm Vision RFD hybrid edition delivers distortion-free, high-resolution images for interventional procedures, and represents a cost-efficient alternative solution to fixed installed systems.