Two big advances in cardiac advanced visualization software were highlighted in December at the 2010 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago. TeraRecon highlighted a computer-aided detection (CAD) software module to detect coronary artery stenosis.

Converting from paper-based electrocardiogram (ECG) files and reports to an electronic record system, or switching to a new electronic system, can improve workflow efficiency and speed the process of getting patients their test results. However, as with most health IT solutions, experts say there are no “out of the box” solutions, and every system will have interoperability bumps in the road.

Over the last 10 years, hospitals have phased out analog image intensifiers for flat-panel, digital detector angiography systems in their cath labs. As hospitals look to purchase current-generation digital angiography systems, buyers should be aware of several new technologies. Better Navigation Aids

In January the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a big modifcation to the CoreValve U.S. pivotal clinical trial — eliminating the medical management arm of the study.

Computed tomography (CT) technology has developed tremendously in the past 30 years. Significant improvements in spatial and temporal resolution of current scanners allow for acquisition of high-resolution images of the small and fast-moving coronary arteries.

March 18, 2011 – A clinical trial testing a robotic system to remotely deliver and manipulating coronary guide wires has begun. The PRECISE study is testing the CorPath 200 System, from Corindus Vascular Robotics.

March 18, 2011 – Researchers have found a link between high blood pressure and a greater drop in average walking speeds in older adults, according to results from a new study. The drop seems to occur even in study participants whose high blood pressure is successfully treated.

March 18, 2011 – Circulating through the bloodstream of every human being is a rare and powerful type of cell, one that can actually create new blood vessels to bypass blockages that cause heart attacks and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Though everyone has these cells – called endothelial progenitor cells – they are often dysfunctional in people prone to vascular disease.

March 15, 2011 – A new graphics solution has been launched for use in professional medical imaging environments to help improve the accuracy and timeliness of patient diagnosis. The NVIDIA Quadro 2000D provides key diagnostic display capabilities and application performance that hospitals and clinics need to effectively interpret and manage high-resolution patient imagery.

March 15, 2011 – A new chromium cobalt stent has received the CE mark market clearance in Europe. The Azule cobalt chromium stent, from OrbusNeich, combines the stent design of the its predecessor, the Blazer, with a delivery system with enhanced crossability and flexible deliverability.

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