Navigating through the world of coronary stents is about to become more complex.  A plethora of new products are on the horizon, which will utilize new platforms and alloys and present novel options in polymer technology.  Whilst most of the new stents will upgrade the platform and polymer, the choice of drug is not changing in most cases.  This new generation of drug-eluting stents (DES) promises increased deliverability and radial strength in the platform. New polymers will minimize the concerns around late stent thrombosis (LST) and the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). A bioresorbable drug-eluting scaffold also may be game changer in the treatment of coronary artery disease.  
An example of intra-cardiac echo (ICE) imaging showing two of the pulmonary veins, anatomical landmarked used during ablation procedures to treat atrial fibrillation. This example is from the ICE system used by St. Jude Medical.

Catheter-based intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an imaging modality similar to intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS). It allows imaging inside the heart to visualize cardiac structures and blood flow using Doppler imaging. The standard-of-care for this type of imaging is usually transesophageal echo (TEE), but ICE proponents say the intra-cardiac modality has several advantages.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected GE Healthcare’s Vivid q cardiovascular ultrasound system for delivery to the International Space Station (ISS) on its final space shuttle flight. The Vivid q launched on the space shuttle Atlantis July 8.


Hypothermia for out-of-hospital and in hospital cardiac arrest has been demonstrated to have significant survival and neurologic benefits.  While the data supporting its use in the cardiac cath lab is limited and the number of patients where this protocol would be potentially useful is small – STEMI patients surviving cardiac arrest with persistent comatose state after ROSC – the potential benefit to our patients is extremely high and in our opinion well worth the effort.

As part of its efforts to expand integration of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image guidance with cath lab treatment devices, Volcano Corp. recently announced a supply agreement with ev3, a Covidien company. Volcano will supply its IVUS technology for use in ev3’s TurboHawk plaque excision (atherectomy) systems.

Volcano developed an IVUS-guided balloon catheter, the Vibe RX, which is available in Europe. The company plans to partner with other vendors to create a line of IVUS-guided therapy solutions.

These are some of the top cardiology technology news items from the spring and early summer 2011. As part of its efforts to expand integration of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image guidance with cath lab treatment devices, Volcano Corp. recently announced a supply agreement with ev3, a Covidien company. Volcano will supply its IVUS technology for use in ev3’s TurboHawk plaque excision (atherectomy) systems.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is one of the most complex procedures routinely performed on a CT scanner. A successful CTA exam requires synchronization of the timing of the scan with maximum vessel contrast enhancement.

July 15, 2011 — In a true hybrid suite, both cath lab and open surgical procedures are performed in a single room. In creating hybrid cath labs, healthcare facilities require imaging technologies that provide the flexibility to quickly and easily access both the patient and ancillary equipment. Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Fla., a leading children’s hospital, recently installed Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc.’s Infinix CF-i bi-plane system with the CAT-880B hybrid catheterization table for its new dedicated hybrid suite. When combining the five-axis positioner of the Infinix-i system with the tilting and cradling features of the hybrid table, physicians are able to obtain optimal image angles while having unprecedented patient access.

July 14, 2011 – Cambridge Heart Inc., a developer of non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, announced that it has reached an agreement with its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) partner, Cardiac Science Corporation, to include Cambridge Heart’s proprietary microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) module on every new Q-Stress system sale beginning July 11, 2011.  The company expects this initiative to significantly increase the placement of MTWA modules in coming quarters, which Cambridge Heart anticipates will provide the basis for future recurring revenue.

 

July 14, 2011 — Boston Scientific Corporation has completed patient enrollment in the ASTI post-market clinical follow-up study evaluating its Adapt Monorail carotid stent system in combination with its FilterWire EZ embolic protection system for treatment of carotid artery disease in patients at high risk for carotid surgery.

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