There are many advantages to using optical coherence tomography (OCT) intravascular imaging. However, interventionalists should not rush to trade in their intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems, said Michael R. Jones, M.D., FACC, director of the Central Baptist Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, Lexington, Ky.

Imaging technology and diagnostic tools for interventional cardiologists have changed dramatically over the past few years with the introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT), improvements in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and pressure guide wires used in fractional flow reserve (FFR). Product innovation and integration of these technologies, as well as a growing base of clinical evidence, are transforming the way physicians diagnose, treat and follow-up patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

The biggest trend in cardiovascular ultrasound is the adoption of 3-D/4-D echo systems for better images, more data, better measurement quantification and faster workflow. Other key trends include software to speed workflow with fewer keystrokes and to enhance quantification, miniaturization, increased use of tissue strain imaging and expanded use for operating room and cath lab procedures.

May 18, 2011 – The world’s first system to integrate the functional and anatomical modalities of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) into one platform will be highlighted by St. Jude Medical at the Paris Course on Revascularization (EuroPCR) 2011.

May 18, 2011, – Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc. announced data from a Phase 2 clinical trial that demonstrated positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging with flurpiridaz F 18 provided superior image quality, diagnostic certainty and diagnostic performance for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), the current standard for the non-invasive detection of CAD. The data also demonstrated a positive safety profile for PET imaging with flurpiridaz F 18.

There were 15 abstracts presented describing radial access and intervention during the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and i2 Summit meeting in April in New Orleans. The abstracts focused on some of the most burning issues in current radial research.

May 17, 2011 - Medrad Inc., a business of Bayer HealthCare, today announced it has received CE Mark for its Cotavance Paclitaxel Coated Balloon Angioplasty Catheter with Paccocathtechnology. The Cotavance catheter is used in percutaneous interventions for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is approved for balloon dilation of stenotic lesions in the iliac and infrainguinal arteries while applying paclitaxel to the vessel wall to inhibit restenosis. Medrad Interventional has started selling its Cotavance catheter in countries where it has already received regulatory approval, including select European and Middle East countries. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Congress of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EuroPCR) in Paris.


The RIVAL trial shows there is no difference in rates of composite death, myocardial infarction, stroke or major bleeding between radial access and femoral access strategies, but radial access decreased major vascular complications.

May 18, 2011 - Jasbir Sra, M.D., and Tanvir Bajwa, M.D., are the first in Wisconsin to implant a new device in a patient’s heart that may reduce strokes in individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia. This minimally invasive procedure was part of a clinical trial taking place at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.

May 18, 2011 - Arstasis is pleased to announce the U.S. launch of its latest commercial product - the Axera Access Device. The Axera Device enhances insertability into the femoral artery and overall procedural usage while continuing to deliver the clinical benefits of the implant-free arstaotomy procedure.

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