July/August 2008

Digital Edition
HD CT System Drops Cardiac Imaging Dose 83 Percent
New Ultrasound Acquires Nonstitched Images in a Single Heartbeat
Siemens' ACUSON SC2000 volume imaging ultrasound system acquires nonstitched, real-time full-volume 3D images of the heart in one single heart cycle. Called “Echo in a Heartbeat,” this new technology generates nonstitched full-volume imaging reportedly of the entire heart with 90 degree pyramids and in just one second.
StarClose SE Vascular Closure System Enables Fast, Secure Femoral Closure
The StarClose SE Vascular Closure System is a next-generation vessel closure device engineered to enable fast and secure closure of the femoral artery access site following a catheterization procedure.
Abiomed Offers Impella 2.5 Cardiac Assist Device
The Abiomed Inc. Impella 2.5 cardiac assist device was FDA cleared in 2008 for use for partial circulatory support for periods up to six hours. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) also has 510(k) clearance and approximately 110,000 are used each year in the U.S.
FDA Clears Boston Scientific’s New Family of Pacemakers
The FDA cleared Boston Scientific’s ALTRUA family of pacemakers, which enables the company to introduce its first Boston Scientific-branded pacemaker to treat bradycardia.
FDA Clears Angiotech’s 5-FU Central Venous Catheter
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) coated central venous catheter (CVC).
FDA Clears Cheetah Reliant for Cardiac Monitoring
FloTrac Features Greater Visibility for Stroke Volume
The FloTrac is reportedly the first minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring device that connects to any existing arterial line and requires no manual calibration. The latest enhancement to the FloTrac software empowers clinicians with greater flexibility to trend and analyze the patient parameters in order to make better informed decisions, said the company.
IQmark Advanced Holter Offers Speed, Accuracy, Ease of Use
Midmark Diagnostics Group’s (MDG) IQmark Advanced Holter is designed to help physicians improve the efficiency, workflow and quality of care. Its reportedly comprehensive functionality offers users the option to control the parameters of the analysis, edit results, select report functions and provides quick and easy access to the entire full disclosure.
DR200 Series Combines 14-day Holter, 30-day Event Recorder
Philips’ Holter Simplifies Workflow
Recently introduced at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS 2008) meeting, the new DigiTrak XT Holter recorder is reportedly equipped with powerful and innovative technology aimed at simplifying the patient and clinical user experience.
HR-300 Equipped with Real-Time ECG Preview
Cardiologists, Payers Set Out on Imaging Track
Cardiology fellows are expanding their knowledge in cardiovascular imaging. Not only do virtually all cardiology fellows get Level 2 training in echocardiography and many in nuclear cardiology but now, an increasing number of fellows are training in cardiac MR and cardiac CT.
VADs - Renewed Hope
CT, MR Angiography Split PVD Diagnostic Duties
The only safe assumption to make about today’s current gold standard imaging modality used to identify and evaluate atheromatous plaque in the peripheral arteries is that there is not one gold standard. To locate and evaluate these plaques that cause peripheral vascular disease (PVD), physicians have multiple tried-and-true imaging tests at their disposal.
Are Cardiologists the QB’s of Cardiac Imaging?
Getting the Edge on Mitral Valve Repair
Physician Preference Drives PTCA Tool, Technique Selection
Safe delivery of the balloon or stent through fragile vasculature during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures is an important criterion for successful patient outcomes.
DES vs. BMS - Which Are Best?