
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a significant problem resulting from the use of iodine contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) scans and cath lab angiography. It can have a negative impact on mortality. This article outlines some of the key information on the agents themselves, possible methods of action and how to prevent and treat CIN.

The radial artery approach is exceptionally well-suited for diagnostic angiography and, with a lower incidence of bleeding complications, is a favorable alternative for femoral percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The most common complications with the transradial approach are asymptomatic radial artery occlusion (3-5 percent) and radial artery perforation (less than 1 percent).
May 15, 2012 — Boston Scientific Corp. and Philips Healthcare announced a collaboration enabling Philips to sell Boston Scientific Imaging equipment in connection with its Allura Xper catheterization lab systems in territories worldwide.
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Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston, Tex., has leveraged new imaging and interventional technologies to help contain and reduce costs, increase patient volume and revenues and build a reputation as a state-of-the-art heart center.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2012 Scientific Session, held March 24-27 in Chicago, was the first major cardiology show this year for vendors to display their latest innovations. A couple of key trends were evident on the show floor – new technology to support trans-aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the launch of new cardiovascular image and information systems (CVIS) to support healthcare’s adoption of proposed Stage 2 meaningful use requirements.
May 15, 2012 — Biotronik Inc., began its U.S. launch of its new Reocor external pacemaker. The device is available in two models, for dual- and single-chamber pacing therapy, and offers individualized patient therapy, easy handling and flexibility in every detail.
Providing exceptional cardiovascular care for patients to achieve the best possible outcomes is the number one goal for ...
Sorin Group at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) scientific sessions announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and commercial launch for a full portfolio of pacing, defibrillation and left ventricular leads. Designed for effective electrical performance and durability, each of the three lead series – Tilda pacing leads, Vigila defibrillation leads and Celerity left ventricular leads – include multiple sizes and features to enable physicians to match their implant preferences with individual patient needs.

Patients with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (AFib) who received first-line catheter ablation treatment had a longer arrhythmia-free interval than patients receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs, the standard first-line treatment. The preliminary findings were presented during a late-breaking session at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2012 scientific sessions last week in Boston.
May 14, 2012 — Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc. announced new manufacturing and supply agreements with Jubilant HollisterStier LLC (JHS). Under separate agreements, JHS will manufacture Cardiolite (kit for the preparation of technetium Tc99m sestamibi for injection) products and Neurolite (kit for the preparation of technetium Tc99m bicisate for injection), each for an initial term of five years and each with an option to renew for an additional five years thereafter.
Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) is growing in popularity among cardiologists because it provides the ability ...
May 14, 2012 — GE Healthcare introduced a new version of its Vscan pocket-sized visualization tool, developed to deliver imaging capabilities at the point of care. Based on feedback from current Vscan users, the new version features extended battery life, a more intuitive user interface and enhanced reporting capabilities.
May 14, 2012 — During the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2012 scientific sessions last week, Biosense Webster Inc. announced it created strategic collaboration agreements with GE Healthcare and Siemens Healthcare. The agreements will make it easier for the vendors to work jointly to create advanced electrophysiology (EP) labs
May 14, 2012 — Stereotaxis Inc. released to the European market the V-Sono intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) manipulator module for the Vdrive Remote Navigation System.
When performing radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat cardiac arrhythmia, medical professionals must balance the safety ...
May 14, 2012 – Endosense said there has been strong interest and significant advancement in the move toward making contact-force sensing a standard-of-care in catheter ablation procedures. Participating at the Heart Rhythm (HRS) 2012 meeting last week in Boston, the company noted a wealth of new clinical abstracts and a new HRS/EHRA/ECAS consensus statement as key validation points supporting the value of the sensory parameter in cardiac ablation.
May 14, 2012 ? Boston Scientific Corp. announced extended warranties of up to 10 years, depending on the model, for its Energen and Incepta implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds). The company said the new warranty program is the longest available in the industry and provides physicians, patients and payers across Europe warranties up to five years longer than other currently-marketed cardiac devices. Following are the devices and their warranties.
Sorin Group announced at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) annual scientific sessions, the publication of the CLEAR study results in Europace (May 1, 2012, doi:10.1093/europace/eus059). The study demonstrates the clinical benefit of the SonR sensor based cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) optimization system in heart failure (HF) patients.