There’s no denying it: Whether you’re a gadget geek or a technophobe, technology has invaded your world, both personally and professionally — of course, how you and all of us control and optimize that reality is up to us individually.
I recently read a “60-Minute” feature segment on Yahoo.com called “Working 24/7,” which explored the impact of wired and wireless technology on our culture, and it would be easy to draw unfavorable conclusions if you happen to actually enjoy having any life apart from your work.
“Technology was supposed to make life easier,” the introduction proclaimed. “But in the wired world of the 21st century, many Americans find they are working 24/7.”
It wouldn’t surprise me if cardiologists replied: “Yeah, welcome to our world.”
But seriously, technology — managed well — should indeed facilitate our daily activities without dominating us. I myself was elated upon my own technological arrival into the current millennium when I recently purchased DSL Internet service for my home, to which I also added a wireless feature that allows an online connection for my laptop anywhere in my house. Oooo, ahhh.
Similarly, though infinitely more significant, cardiologists are given unprecedented connectivity tools in today’s information management systems and PACS. How remarkable that physicians can review patient reports and sharp images remotely, from a different level of the hospital or even from home if they like.
In this issue of Diagnostic & Invasive Cardiology we address the inter-related subjects of technology, connectivity and integration within our debut section of Special Report. Here you’ll read about the challenges and solutions that are getting untangled out on the front lines of U.S. cath labs and cardiovascular departments.
Besides our customary lineup of practical feature articles and physician interviews, you’ll now also see Special Report in every issue this year — and you can find them all, plus thousands of other pieces of device and technology information at our newly relaunched Web site: www.Dicardiology.net.
I invite you to “connect” with us often throughout your busy week by clicking in for some daily cardiac news — and coming back any time for some in-depth device research. Your feedback is welcome: Let me know how we can make the site an even more useful resource for you.
Thanks for reading!
July 16, 2024 
