ImaCor Inc., developer of hemodynamic transesophageal echocardiography (hTEE) technology, released the hTEE QuickStartT mobile application. The app complements ImaCor’s hTEE training program and provides clinicians access to how-to videos, patient case reviews and customer support.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I Recall of Edwards Lifesciences LLC’s Embol-X Glide Protection System due to deformed cannula trip. Applying force to the tip during insertion or removal may lead to separation and embolization. Use of the recalled product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including death.

Stage 2 meaningful use guidelines for electronic medical records (EMRs) suggest use of clinical decision support (CDS) software to help clinicians choose appropriate labs, diagnoses, therapies and imaging exams. A draft policy to replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula now being considered by a joint U.S. Senate Finance and House Committee on Ways and Means Committee might make this suggestion a requirement in the future. The draft policy would deny Medicare payment for exams if the ordering physician did not consult appropriate use criteria (AUC) and require prior authorization for outlier providers. 

Thorne Research Inc. and Itamar Medical Inc. entered into a three-year non-exclusive agreement to co-market Itamar's EndoPAT and WatchPat. EndoPat is a device to assess arterial (endothelial) function, and WatchPAT is a home-based sleep test to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have cleared both.

CVIS, cardiovascular information system

The push for healthcare to be digitally transformed and paper-free means having access to electronic medical records anytime/anywhere. This effort amplified, has left many cardiology departments struggling to catch up.  According to the Administration on Aging people 65+ represented 12.4 percent of the population in the year 2000, but are expected to grow to be 19 percent of the population by 2030. The increase in longevity-on top of advances in medications, less invasive treatments and diagnostic testing will greatly increase demand for cardiology.  
Blackford Analysis, a provider of software products that accelerate comparison of medical images, introduced its products to the Middle Eastern market at the Arab Health Congress 2014 in Dubai. Designed to be integrated directly into any image viewer, such as a PACS, Advanced Visualization Viewer or Universal Viewer, Blackford Analysis’ products work within existing systems to enable instant comparison of multiple image studies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medtronic Inc.’s Valiant Captivia Thoracic Stent Graft System to treat type B aortic dissections. Supported by the results of the U.S. Medtronic DISSECTION trial, the new indication provides physicians a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical repair and medical therapy.
radiation dose management, monitoring

Radiation dose continues to rise as the number of computed tomography (CT), nuclear, angiography and fluoroscopy examinations grow, leading to a greater risk of patient overexposure to radiation. Healthcare providers must reinforce their efforts to monitor and visualize dose levels from radiology examinations to enhance patient safety and meet new regulatory demands. There also is a need to justify and optimize the usage of radiation dose to find a balance between safer practice, image quality and lower dose — all for the benefit of the patient. Implementing tools for automatic and continuous follow up of radiation dose is at the forefront of meeting these challenges.
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