As the new editor of Diagnostic and Invasive Cardiology (DAIC), I hope communication will not be one-sided with me presenting or reviewing new technology on the market. I would like to hear from the readers — the end users of these products — to find out your thoughts. I would also like to find out what you consider as important issues, or what technologies you would like to hear more about.
My journalism background started with small-town, Norman Rockwell-type community newspapers. As editor I told people my door was always open if they wanted to bring things to my attention or if they wanted to refute claims made in the papers. I extend that same invitation to the readers of this magazine. You are welcome to contact me via eMail or phone.
My mission with DAIC is to educate readers about new devices and technology entering the cardiac market. We are building the print magazine, our weekly eMail newsletters and our Web site to be a primary resource for information on new and existing technology for cardiac diagnostics, imaging, the cath lab and electrophysiology.
Former DAIC editor Cristen Bolan has taken over as sole editor of the Reilly Communication Group’s Imaging Technology News, as we plan to expand that magazine’s coverage. I was previously the editor of the company’s Acuity Care Technology magazine, which concentrated on technology in the ER, OR and ICU.
This issue of DAIC has several articles pertaining to cardiac imaging, which is the key element in reducing the number of more invasive examinations and to enable percutaneous interventions. Among the modalities examined are PET and SPECT nuclear imaging. There are volumes of information out there about PET and SPECT and their use for perfusion imaging, but few authors venture to say one is head and shoulders above the other. There are many factors involved when comparing these modalities, with the three key elements being cost, imaging quality and speed. I set out in this issue to find out which is gaining the edge in the cardiac imaging market. However, the research I found and the experts I contacted say it’s a close horse race where both edge the other out with a new tweak to the technology, but then lose that edge as the other technology makes an advancement. They all say it is a hung jury at this point. Whatever limitations either technology has now will likely be overcome with new technology that is already on the horizon. Hybrid SPECT/CT and PET/CT machines have the potential to enhance cardiac imaging, but the experts say the high cost of the equipment and the issues surrounding CMS reimbursement may for now keep a lid on their expansion.
In this issue we also highlight several recent advances made in CTA imaging with two stories found in our special report section.
We welcome your comments on the topics found in Diagnostic & Invasive Cardiology. Please send your thoughts to [email protected]