May 6, 2011 – New data presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Scientific Sessions are the first to look at the use of highly specialized signals within implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to detect restricted blood flow to the heart in high-risk cardiovascular disease patients outside the hospital setting. Preliminary results from the ST-DETECT Trial using high-fidelity intracardiac electrogram (EGM) signals in ICDs show a low spontaneous coronary event rate (such as heart attack) among these patients.

May 6, 2011 – African American patients who undergo angioplasty and stenting fare worse over the long run than patients of other races, regardless of socioeconomic status. In fact, the risk of dying within about three years is more than twice as high among African Americans, according to a study presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2011 Scientific Sessions.

May 6, 2011 – Functionality in the echo ultrasound market drives satisfaction as providers push the bounds of what the technology can do to treat an increasing number of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. Vendors have responded to these demands with new systems and new technology over the last couple of years.

May 5, 2011 – GE scientists are already studying additive manufacturing techniques to reduce labor and costs on ultrasound devices. Here, the key aspect is the transducer, which is expensive to produce using current manufacturing techniques.

May 4, 2011 – Doctors should consider using catheterization as a treatment tool in addition to its established role in diagnosing children with heart defects, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement.

May 4, 2011 – Endosense and Siemens Healthcare have completed a prototype software software software integrating the contact-force data provided by Endosense’s TactiCath force-sensing ablation catheter1 with Siemens’ electrophysiology solutions.