Chest pain is a common complaint among ED patients, yet failure to diagnose acute myocardial infarction in the trauma unit occurs in as many as 20 percent of cases, according to some estimates.
Serious conditions that are occasionally misdiagnosed in the ED include: acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, meningitis and appendicitis. Standard protocol for chest pain is an echocardiogram (ECG); however, physicians may rely too heavily on this test, which does not rule out a heart attack if results are normal.

A device made by Life Support Inc reportedly allows remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring from any location in the U.S. with telephone access.

Offering a selection of packaging options and concentrations (160, 240, 300, 320 and 350), OptiMARK (gadoversetamide injection) is one of the first MRI contrast agent approved for use with power injection. Using OptiMARK with the OptiStar LE power injector at rates of 1 to 2 ml per second image quality, diagnostic accuracy, reproducibility, accurate timing of bolus and a tight bolus (when used with saline flush at the same flow rate as the contrast media), said Tyco. It is available in glass vials in a range of sizes or easy-to-use Ultraject prefilled syringes.

Trans fat testing and complete fatty acid profiles are available as additional blood testing options to the OMX-3, the Omega-3 Index test.

By recording a continuous three-channel ECG for up to 20 days, the new KCI Holter Recorder reportedly provides researchers with data that could be used to detect even the most subtle cardiac responses to a drug or device while a patient undergoes testing.

The compact, four-ounce KCI X5 Holter Monitor System, with its real-time display, is enhanced by powerful, customizable analysis software, providing the ability to isolate and compare arrhythmias with improved artifact rejection and built-in process improvement tools, said KCI.

A combination of technologies can enhance a doctor’s ability to treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms. The NaviStar RMT Diagnostic/Ablation Steerable Tip Catheter has been FDA cleared for integration with the Niobe Magnetic Navigation System and the Carto RMT.
The integrated products enable electrophysiologists to steer a catheter remotely, map the electrical activity of the heart and ablate targeted areas that require treatment.

Cedara’s PET/CT Workstation allows the fusion of PET and CT medical images. With the assistance of PET/CT image fusion, physicians can unite physiology and anatomy, allowing tumors to be seen in relation to their surrounding tissue.

The Cardius-3 is reportedly the first triple-head gamma camera that is designed for nuclear cardiac imaging.

Its three-detector, solid-state design delivers high-count statistics, high sensitivity and quality images, according to the company. With its modern and compact design, the Cardius-3 reportedly offers an open gantry design, allowing it to fit in small rooms. Utilizing optimized cardiac collimation and a cardiocentric technique, the Cardius-3 reportedly features the latest advances in nuclear cardiology.

A new contestant in the $115-million global heart valve repair market, the ATS Simulus annuloplasty line of products by ATS Medical was cleared for release by the FDA at the end of January. Designed with input from cardiac surgeons, the devices emphasize ease of implantation.
Available in a flexible ring (the ATS Simulus FLX-O Ring) or a flexible band (the ATS Simulus FLX-C Band), the products accommodate various approaches to valve repair. They can be used in both the mitral and tricuspid position.

The FDA has approved revised labeling for the instructions for use of the CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent. The labeling now reflects FDA's review of clinical trial data that suggests there is no increased risk of myocardial infarction with the use of overlapping CYPHER Stents in comparison to bare metal stents.
The change is based on a retrospective analysis of several clinical studies of overlapping CYPHER Stents examining more than 900 patients. Cypher is the only drug-eluting stent with this new label.

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