Cardiology

Biotronik releases CRT pacemaker with advanced algorithm for RVsense triggering
The Stratos LV cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker incorporates RVsense Triggering which helps assure that resynchronization therapy is delivered continuously, and expanded wideband IEGM Snapshot memory. 10 July 2008

Philips and Skytron team up to provide hybrid operating rooms
Royal Philips Electronics and Skytron have entered into a partnership to supply hybrid operating rooms for minimally invasive cardiovascular surgical procedures, combining Philips’ cardiovascular x-ray systems with Skytron’s surgery room equipment. 19 June 2008

Brain imaging identifies ways to help stroke patients regain speech
An important breakthrough in understanding how the brain works could help stroke patients to regain their speech. The new study shows that brains of stroke sufferers may have to 'relearn' how to put together different types of information in order to understand speech by using different parts of the brain to compensate for damaged areas. 6 June 2008

First use of infrared laser imaging system to analyse coronary artery plaque
Physicians at a hospital in Michigan have successfully used the InfraReDx LipiScan coronary imaging system in a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterisation. The system detects how much fat and other substances are contained in a plaque. 2 June 2008

Heart experts issue guidance on management on implantable cardiac devices
The Heart Rhythm Society and the European Heart Rhythm Association have issued an 'expert consensus' on the monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices to ensure that these life-saving devices are managed properly and patients receive the best possible care. 22 May 2008

Remote monitoring of pacemaker patients improves detection of serious events
Remote monitoring of pacemaker patients via the Medtronic CareLink Network detected clinically actionable events more quickly than routine follow-up care of transtelephonic monitoring and in-office visit, according to a study presented last week at the Heart Rhythm 2008 congress. 21 May 2008

Sorin Group to use Greatbatch’s MRI-safe technology in cardiac devices
The Sorin Group has announced that it intends to use technology from Greatbatch Inc to accelerate its programme to make its cardiac rhythm management (CRM) systems MRI compatible. 21 May 2008

Philips releases new version of Xcelera cardiology system
Royal Philips Electronics has begun shipping version 2.2 of its Xcelera cardiology image management, analysis and reporting solution. The new version offers enhanced functionality and greater workflow efficiency, giving improved support for imaging studies and data from key cardiac subspecialties. 18 May 2008

Agfa introduces cardiology solution for lesion follow-up
The solution will be part of the company's IMPAX Cardiovascular system for integrated data and image management in cardiology and will allow clinicians to focus on the lesion follow-up history. 15 May 2008

Volcano Corp announces first human use of imaging catheter
The OCT imaging platform provides high-resolution images in the 10-15 micron range, opening the door for new applications to complement both IVUS and angiography. 12 May

Boston Scientific announces EU and US approval of new pacemakers
Boston Scientific Corporation has announced US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark approval of its Altrua family of pacemakers. 12 May 2008

Home is where the best heart care is
Joshua Rowe, chairman for telemedicine specialist Broomwell Healthwatch, explains how a cardiac telemedicine service can improve patient care whilst cutting the cost of congestive heart failure (CHF).
30 April 2008

Call for European action to combat heart disease
A Call for Action encouraging European countries to develop national strategies to combat 4.3 million deaths and economic loss of €192 billion annually from heart disease has been issued by the Joint European Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. 29 April 2008

London clinic invests in early detection of coronary disease
The Clinical Imaging and Research Centre at The Wellington Hospital in north London has installed a Somatom Definition Dual Source CT, Symbia T6 Spect CT and ultrasound scanners from Siemens to support its high volume clinical work and to support its pioneering patient research projects. 17 April 2008

Philips and Mediguide announce clinical trials of cardiac navigation system
Philips and Israeli company MediGuide have started clinical trials of a system that enables real time tip positioning and navigation of an invasive device used in coronary or cardiac intervention. 11 April 2008

Implanted wireless medical devices are potential security risk for patients
Implanted medical devices with wireless technology have a potential risk of unauthorised access to patient data and reprogramming of the device. 2 April 2008

Stentys completes $18 million financing for bifurcated stent production Paris-based Stentys has completed an $18 million ‘series B’ round of venture financing that will allow it to complete clinical trials and obtain EU clearance for its drug-eluting, bifurcated stent. 31 March 2008

French Fire Brigade buys Zoll AutoPulse units
The French Fire Brigade has contracted with Zoll Medical Corporation (Nasdaq GS: ZOLL) to equip all of its rescue vehicles with the AutoPulse non-invasive cardiac support pump in a deal worth US$1.1m. 28 March 2008

Philips continues buying spree with cardiac IT company Tomcat Systems
Royal Philips Electronics has announced it will acquire Northern Ireland-based Tomcat Systems Ltd. Tomcat is a privately held company producing cardiovascular information systems (CVIS). 27 March 2008

CircuLite starts European trial for Synergy cardiac assist device
CircuLite, Inc. has announced a 20-patient trial for its Synergy micro implantable blood pump. This follows successful completion of a first-in-man pilot study of Synergy in four patients. 19 March 2008

NewCardio receives European patent for wireless ECG technology
NewCardio a development-stage cardiac diagnostic and services company has received a patent for the CardioBip, a proprietary device and methodology for transtelephonic transmission of comprehensive ECG data. 19 March 2008

Axellis announces 'global expansion' with three acquisitions
Axellis Ltd, a UK and US based medical technology company, has announced three acquisitions, which it says are part of a strategy to become a leading, global provider of specialist hardware and software solutions to optimise treatments in oncology and cardiology. 19 March 2008

EACTS launches International Atrial Fibrillation Registry
The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) has e launched the International Atrial Fibrillation Registry (IAFR) in association with UK company Dendrite Clinical Systems. The IAFR is designed to capture data and report in patient outcomes following surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. 17 March 2008

First European implants of new Boston Scientific defibrillators
Forty implants have been performed in 14 hospitals in six countries. The company plans a full launch in Europe and other international markets in the second quarter of this year. 6 March 2008

Ultrasound detection of emboli in brain during surgery reduces stroke rates 
Surgeons at the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to detect emboli that has helped reduce stroke rates during and after a form of heart surgery. 20 February 2008

Medrad and Possis Medical to merge
Bayer HealthCare affiliate Medrad, Inc and Possis Medical, Inc. have announced that they have agreed to merge in a deal worth about US$361 million. The merger is seen as combining complementary cardiology products: Medrad's contrast injection systems and Possis Medical's mechanical thrombectomy devices. 18 February 2008

iPods cleared of interfering with cardiac pacemakers
A study by the US Food and Drug Administration has refuted claims that portable music players, such as Apple's iPod, interfere with cardiac pacemakers. The study is reported in the open access journal BioMedical Engineering OnLine.

Boston Scientific gains EU approval for new defibrillators
Boston Scientific Corporation has been awarded CE Mark approval for its Cognis CRT defibrillator and Teligen ICD for treating heart failure and sudden cardiac death. 30 January

European approval for Boston Scientific defibrillator
Boston Scientific Corporation has gained the CE Mark approval for its Livian cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator, which treats heart failure and helps protect patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. 9 January

Delayed defibrillation in hospital reduces survival
A study of patients who suffer a cardiac arrest in hospital has shown that they are more likely to survive if their hearts are shocked back into rhythm within two minutes, but 30% of such patients aren’t getting help fast enough. 9 January

CT angiography highly accurate in detecting coronary artery disease
Computed tomography (CT) angiography is as accurate as an invasive angiogram in detecting coronary artery disease, according to two 64-slice-scanner trials. 29 November

Philips unveils rapid 3D CT scan system
Royal Philips Electronics' latest CT body scanner, Brilliance iCT scanner, allows radiologists to produce high-quality images with exceptional acquisition speed. 26 November

Agfa installs cardiology suite at Belgian Hospital
Agfa HealthCare has completed the installation of its Impax Cardiovascular Suite at the AZ Imelda hospital in Bonheiden, Belgium. The enterprise-wide, cardiology information management system and reporting solution allows physicians to view both cardiology and radiology images and reports. 16 October 2007

Medtronic buys MRI-safe technology for implanted devices from Biophan
Biophan's technologies reduce the normally dangerous heating and induced voltages in wires to safe levels during MRI scans. 9 October 2007

Philips expands into US home cardiac monitoring market with acquisition of Raytel Cardiac Services
Royal Philips Electronics is to acquire US-based Raytel Cardiac Services and other ancillary operations from SHL Telemedicine Ltd, for approximately US$110 million in cash. 4 October

Neurosonix wins European cardiac surgery innovation award for ultrasound device
Neurosonix Ltd has received an award from the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) for its EmBlocker ultrasound device that provides protection against cerebral embolism during heart surgery. 4 October 2007

US study to determine if imaging can detect subclinical cardiovascular disease
One of the most challenging aspects of cardiovascular imaging is going to be how to detect subclinical atherothrombosis disease in order to address earlier management. The High Risk Plaque (HRP) study will approach this challenge clinically and economically with a multimodality approach. 18 September

New guidelines for treatment of arterial hypertension
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) have revised their 2003 guidelines. In 2000, 26% (972 million) of the adult population worldwide had hypertension. Identifying specific patients at risk of developing organ damage will allow better deployment of preventative healthcare resources. 18 September

Groundbreaking treatments at new London centre for cardiovascular MR
Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, has recently opened its new Centre for Cardiovascular MR with two Magnetom Avanto MRI scanners and an interventional cardiac catheterisation laboratory from Siemens Medical Solutions. 11 September 2007

First implants for BioControl’s device for congestive heart failure
Cardiologists and surgeons at in Germany and Italy have successfully implanted BioControl's CardioFit device in the first patients as part of a multi-center clinical study. 13 August 2007

CardioFocus receives European approval for endoscopic cardiac ablation system
The device combines endoscopic visualization and guidance with the delivery of therapeutic light energy to perform pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. 5 August

Heart screening project to save athletes from sudden cardiac death
UK charity Cardiac Risk in the Young is launching a campaign to screen all leading athletes as part of a five-year study to understand the causes of sudden cardiac death in young people. 27 July 2007

Medical heart images on iPhone
Using Heart Imaging Technologies' system, physicians can simply click on a web link on the phone sent via email by one of their colleagues, enter their password, and view medical images. 25 July 2007

St Jude Medical gains European approval for heart failure devices. 15 May 2007

Biosense Webster and Medtronic collaborate to advance cardiac arrhythmia care.
The companies have announced plans to collaborate on a clinical trial, educational initiatives and a product development program, to advance the care of patients with cardiac arrhythmias. 10 May 2007

Remote monitoring improves clinical outcomes for heart patients
According to Australian and Canadian research, remote monitoring for patients with chronic heart failure helped reduce heart failure admissions to hospitals and lowered all cause mortality by nearly
20%. 30 April 2007

Dental X-rays of carotid artery not enough to estimate stroke risk
A review of research on the detection of calcified tissue in the carotid artery by dental x-rays has found that the technique does not give enough evidence to estimate a patient’s stroke risk. 30 April 2007

ECG can predict cardiovascular problems in women
Postmenopausal women without symptoms of cardiovascular problems who have minor or major abnormalities on an electrocardiogram are at increased risk of future cardiovascular events and death. 29 March 2007

Combined MRI and echocardiography improves stroke diagnosis
Using both MRI and echocardiography to image the heart greatly enables physicians to identify the cause of strokes, especially cardioembolic strokes. The technique could revolutionise patient care.14 March 2007

First implants and EU approval for Sorin REPLY pacemakers
This new pacemaker line is designed to deliver automatic, physiologic pacing adapted to patients who have bradyarrhythmia. 8 March 2007

Philips unveils networked patient monitor combined with defibrillator
The Philips HeartStart MRx can serve as a wireless transport monitor/defibrillator or cardiac bedside monitor/defibrillator with built-in pacing, synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation capabilities. 23 February 2007

Medtronic begins European and US trial of MRI-compatible pacemaker system
The first patients in the trial were recently implanted with the new Medtronic EnRhythm MRI SureScan pacing system. The study will compare the electrical and diagnostic system performance, as well as complication rates of patients with and without MRI scans. 13 February 2007

Philips introduces imaging tool for complex cardiac arrhythmias
The Philips EP navigator combines pre–interventional 3D CT images of a patients’ cardiac anatomy with live X-ray fluoroscopy catheter position information in a single image, allowing physicians to navigate more easily through the heart during complex procedures. 7 Feb 2007

Chinese market for personal blood-pressure monitors growing at 33%
The Chinese market for home-use digital blood-pressure monitors will grow at over 33% per year, driven by lower prices and increased awareness, according to a new report from InMedica. 7 Feb 2007

Home blood-pressure monitor market to reach $1bn by 2010
The world market for home-use digital blood pressure monitors is worth almost $800 million. The increase in hypertension and use of telehealth will lead to growth of 6.7% per year, taking it to $1 billion by 2010, according to a report by InMedica. 30 Jan 2007

EP MedSystems and Philips launch new ultrasound platform for cath lab
The new ViewMate II ultrasound system is based on Philips' HD11 XE platform and has been developed for use with EP MedSystems’ ViewFlex intracardiac (ICE) imaging catheters. 16 Jan 2007

One-third of implanted heart devices may be unnecessary
A new study has found that a large number of patients with implanted cardiac devices may not benefit from them and that a simple heart-rhythm test can tell who will not benefit. 10 Jan 2007

Focused ultrasound used to treat atrial fibrillation
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are trialling high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation to correct the electrical signals controlling hearts suffering from atrial fibrillation. 15 Dec 2006

Cardiac Science ships Atria 3100 electrocardiograph. 12 Dec 2006

Medtronic to spin-off external defibrillation business. 11 Dec 2006

Pre-hospital care in Lund, Sweden doubles survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest. 8 Dec 2006 Francais Deutsch Español

4D MRI scans of child heart help predict outcome of heart surgery
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hearts of children with heart defects can be used to create three-dimensional models to test the effect of surgical procedures. This can help surgeons plan optimum surgery for each child’s congenital heart defect. 29 November 2006

Sorin Group initiates European study to show superiority of dual chamber ICDs. 20 Nov 2006 Deutsch Italiano Francais Español

Pacemakers may be better than beta blockers for some heart failure patients
Patients suffering from certain types of heart failure may benefit more from pacemakers than from long-term use of medication, according to new research. 12 Nov 2006

Coronary plaque characterization software from Toshiba and Vital Images
The new software features include improved integration, colour coding of vessel walls, noncalcified and calcified plaque, and improved visualization of lesion boundaries and plaque types with automated measurement and quantification tools. 31 October 2006

Sorin Group introduces advanced defibrillation therapy to Japanese market
Sorin Group subsidiary ELA Medical has launched its ALTO 2 line of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in Japan and announced the first implants. 23 Oct 2006

Personal ECG heart monitor on sale to public in UK
Medick Healthcare has launched what it claims is the world’s first intelligent personal ECG (electrocardiogram) heart monitor. It monitors the rhythm of the heart in real time, and allows users to directly see the impact of everything from smoking and caffeine through to exercise on the heart’s performance. 17 October 2006

St Jude Atlas heart failure devices gain European approval
The Atlas II ICD and Atlas II defibrillators are the newest of the company's high-powered devices for treatment of patients with potentially lethal heart arrhythmias and heart failure.  13 Oct 2006

Cardioscan reduces unnecessary cardiac referrals by primary care physicians
The Zargis Cardioscan can reduce rates of unnecessary referrals by primary care physicians regarding heart murmurs by an average of 41%, according to a recent study. 13 Oct 2006

MRIs made safe for people with defibrillators and pacemakers
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University claim to have overcome the problems of taking magnetic resonance images of people with implanted defibrillators and pacemakers. They have painstakingly figured out how to safely perform MRI scans on men and women who have any one of 24 modern types of these implanted devices. 8 Oct 2006

Philips previews new cath lab
Royal Philips Electronics previewed its Ambient Experience Catheterization Lab at the Philips Simplicity Event in London. The lab is designed to improve the workflow of physicians and reduce the anxiety of heart patients undergoing catheterization. 7 Oct 2006

Biotronik's new Lumax ICD with telemonitoring of heart and device
Biotronik’s new Lumax implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) contains not only a defibrillator that can deliver life-saving electric shocks to the heart, but also integrates a technology that monitors the functions of both the heart and the device itself. 3 Oct 2006

Boston Scientific launches less-invasive visualization system for cardiac surgical ablation
Boston Scientific's new FLEXView System enables physicians to perform stand-alone ablation procedures in a closed chest environment with direct visualization of the procedure at all times. 29 Sept 2006

Philips launches new cardiology ultrasound system
The new Philips HD11 XE is designed to meet the specific needs of cardiologists through more powerful cardiac capabilities. 29 Sept 2006

Philips releases defibrillators compliant with newest guidelines from AHA, ERC and ILCOR. 8 Sept 2006

University Hospital Cologne to be certified to implant CardioWest artificial heart
Members of the cardiac transplant team will begin the first of a three-part certification programtraining to implant the CardioWest temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) on 4 Sept. 1 Sept 2006

Medtronic launches three new pacemakers
Medtronic, Inc.,has introduced the Adapta, Versa, and Sensia fully automatic pacemakers. Recently approved by the FDA, they provide physiologic pacing adapted to the needs of individual patients. 28 August 2006

Boston Scientific launches iLab for ultrasound imaging within heart and blood vessels
The system can be directly installed into the cardiac catheterization lab or radiology suite and give rapid access to images for diagnosis. 25 July 2006

New training tool for interventional cardiologists
TeachFFR.com is a web-based teaching tool that consists of narrated, interactive case studies demonstrating the proper use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement techniques, which physicians use during interventions to assess lesion severity. 17 July 2006

Boston Scientific issues safety alert for Guidant pacemakers and defibrillators
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced that it is providing safety information and retrieving a specific subset of pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators from its sales force and hospital inventories. 27 June 2006

Sorin Group initiates multi-centre study of heart failure patients in Europe
Sorin Group's Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Business Unit has announced the first patient enrolments in Germany and Portugal in a study of the clinical relevance of slow ventricular tachycardias (VTs) in a heart failure population. 22 June 2006

Growth potential for cardiology PACS  in Europe
End-user willingness to purchase digital cardiology picture archiving and communications systems is forecast to increase the market from US$73.6 million in 2005 to US$200.5 million in 2012. 21 June 2006

QuickOpt optimizes cardiac resynchronization therapy in under two minutes
A clinical trial of St Jude Medical's QuickOpt timing cycle optimization feature for its implantable defibrillators found that it was consistently comparable to a traditional echocardiography procedure for determining optimal conduction delays. 20 June 2006

European trial shows greater efficacy of dual chamber over single chamber ICDs
A recent study has shown that clinically significant adverse events can be reduced by one-third with dual chamber ICDs compared to single chamber ICDs in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. 20 June 2006

Medtronic launches implantable cardiac devices with wireless telemetry in Europe
Medtronic has announced European approval and market availability of its Concerto and Virtuoso line of implantable cardiac defibrillators, its first such devices with wireless telemetry for remote monitoring of patient health. 19 June 2006

Heart surgery patients in Europe can recover at home with portable artificial heart
Berlin Heart AG, maker of the Excor Ventricular Assist Devices for children and adults, has received the European CE Mark, which allows it to market a modified version of its Excor Mobile Driving Unit with the CardioWest artificial heart in Europe. 1 June 2006

Visualizer for heart surgery training
The visualizer enables a consultant to demonstrate, describe and discuss surgical procedures with a student audience and ensures the heart is perfectly illuminated so that students can see all the heart detail on screen. 3 May 2006

Sorin Group stresses key role of pacing technology in avoiding unnecessary ventricular pacing
Sorin Group has begun a European awareness campaign on the risks associated with unnecessary pacing of the right ventricle from cardiac implantable devices. It significantly increases the risk of patients developing heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). 25 April 2006 Deutsch Español Francais Italiano 

Siemens introduces cardiology software for MRT scans
Siemens new software, syngo BEAT, reduces MR examinations of the heart to a few mouse clicks — even for patients suffering from arrhythmia. It enables faster and more accurate diagnostics and increases efficiency in cardiology. 25 April 2006

Cardiac Science defibrillators meet new European and American guidelines
Cardiac Science Corporation has shipped two new models of its Powerheart automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that meet new American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council guidelines. 23 April 2006

Medtronic introduces cardiopulmonary bypass system
Medtronic has received U.S. FDA clearance for its Performer Cardiopulmonary Bypass System (CPB), an integrated, compact console that provides support of the circulatory system during a variety of cardiac surgical procedures. 21 April 2006

Magnetically guided catheter aids radio frequency ablation treatment of heart
A remotely-controlled catheter device guided by magnetic fields can provide a safe and practical method for delivering radio frequency ablation treatment in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation. 21 April 2006

European clinical trial of beating heart transplant system
TransMedics, Inc., has initiated a multi-centre European trial to evaluate the safety and performance of its Organ Care System for heart transplants. There are currently two trialsites in Germany and two in the UK. 14 March 2006

Trials of GE's 64-slice CT as diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease
GE Healthcare will sponsor a series of multi-centre, multi-patient trials to further validate the clinical efficacy of its LightSpeed VCT computed tomography (CT) system as a method for the diagnosis and treatment planning of cardiovascular disease. 14 March 2006

Medtronic initiates 50-site study of defibrillator with wireless telemetry
Medtronic has begun the first implants in a trial of its Concerto cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) with atrial therapies (AT). The study will involve up to 425 patients at approximately 50 sites in Europe, the United States and Japan. 9 February 2006

Increasing cardiac disorders in Europe driving demand for diagnostic imaging systems
An increase in the incidence of cardiac disorders has led to a rise in the number of diagnostic procedures, thereby resulting in a spurt in interventional cardiac catheterisation procedures. There is also a greater demand for non-invasive diagnostic techniques using CT and MR imaging systems. 5 February 2006

First study of cardiac resynchronization therapy using
ultrasound and CT
The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in California will use a Toshiba  ultrasound system in conjunction with a 64-slice computerised tomography system to assess outcomes following cardiac resynchronization therapy. 18 November 2005

Remote cardiac monitoring network  reaches 50,000 patients
The Medtronic CareLink Network has enrolled 50,000 patients and registered over 120,000 data downloads since its launch in 2002. The system allows patients to receive expert medical advice from their physician while at home or travelling. 18 November 2005

CT image of heart captured in five beats
A study conducted at the at Centre Cardiologique de Nord in France has shown that the LightSpeed VCT computed tomography scanner, can capture images of the human heart in as few as five beats. This can help physicians improve the success rate of coronary CT imaging when compared with scan durations of 10 seconds or longer. 15 November 2005

Real-time monitoring and feedback improves cardiopulmonary resuscitation delivery
Verbal and visual feedback improves the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered by paramedics and emergency medical technicians, according to the findings of a study announced by Royal Philips Electronics, in partnership with Laerdal. 15 November 2005

GE Healthcare and Volcano Corporation to develop cath lab with X-ray and ultrasound
The two companies will collaborate to develop a digital cardiovascular imaging system with fully integrated X-ray and intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS) capabilities. This is intended to give interventional cardiologists a clear view of coronary and peripheral vessel morphology for therapeutic procedures such as stent placement. 5 November 2005

Clinical studies demonstrate effectiveness of Siemens 64-slice CT scans in cardiac care
Three studies of 64-slice computed tomography (CT) in cardiac care have been published in peer-reviewed journals by Siemens' clinical collaborators in Switzerland, USA and Germany. 16 October 2005

Impedance cardiography helps identify patients at risk of heart failure
A study conducted by the San Diego Veterans Administration Healthcare System and University of California found that impedance cardiography (ICG) and BNP testing can help predict heart failure-related. 2 October 2005

Web-enabled cardiology system from Cardiac Science
Cardiac Science Corporation has launched a web version of its Pyramis cardiology data management system.  Authorised users will be able to access cardiology data with full privileges fro anywhere. It will also allow further integration with the  Cerner Millennium hospital information system. 2 October 2005

Siemens interventional cardiac technology provides 3D visualisation of coronary vessels
Interventional Cardiac 3D (IC3D) technology will provide clinicians with a helpful and important tool in the evaluation of patients prior to stenosis.
24 September 2005

Cardiac resynchronization therapy saves many lives cost-effectively
Three new studies of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) show that it offers sustained all-cause mortality improvements, is a cost-effective therapy and improves heart pumping function. It slows the progression of heart failure, reduces hospitalisations and saves lives in many heart-failure patients. 13 September 2005

Nihon Kohden and Inovise Medical in partnership to improve cardiac diagnosis
Nihon Kohden Corporation, a leading provider of cardiology equipment in Japan and China, and Inovise Medical, an Oregon-based cardiac diagnostic company, have signed a multi-year agreement to integrate Inovise Medical's Audicor heart sounds detection and analysis technology into the next generation of Nihon Kohden electrocardiographs. 12 September 2005

Defibrillators in schools can save lives — only if managed properly
Approximately 7000 children, including adolescents, die from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the USA. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) help schools to be prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency and potentially save the life of a student, employee, or visitor. 11 September 2005

Agfa launches new cardiology portfolio on the back of Heartlab acquisition
Agfa HealthCare Business Group has launched a new cardiology portfolio that provides a single point of access and integrates cardiology, radiology and wider clinical systems. 7 September 2005

Philips launches new cardiology ultrasound system
Royal Philips Electronics launched the new Philips HD11 XE cardiology ultrasound system at the European Society of Cardiology conference, hosted in Stockholm. he HD11 XE adds a variety of features to help physicians more accurately measure heart chambers, wall motion and ejection fraction. 7 September 2005

Implantable heart monitor automatically alerts via satellite
A new FDA-approved defibrillator can automatically send a signal to a doctor via wireless satellite transmission if a patient’s heart beats abnormally or if the device malfunctions. 31 August 2005

Cardiac care at Royal Brompton boosted by Siemens cardiac CT system
To fulfil the demand for more complex cardiac care, the Royal Brompton Hospital in London has commissioned the first Siemens Biplane Cardiac CT System with flat plate detectors in England. 19 August 2005

St Jude Medical's remote patient monitoring system receives FDA approval
The new version of software for the St Jude Medical's Housecall Plus remote patient monitoring system has received approval from the United States FDA. The system monitors implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. 21 July 2005

Caffeine and exercise can prevent clear PET and CT imaging of heart
Consumption of caffeine before a positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart can increase the amount of chemical tracer in the heart and obscure the images. If a person exercises or drinks coffee before having a PET/CT scan, the heart beats faster, causing more tracer to appear in the heart region, obscuring the view. 13 July 2005

Heart monitoring device lets patients record their own ECG
A new handheld monitoring device launched by Trident International Corporation lets patients record their electrocardiogram (ECG) anytime and anywhere. The ReadMyHeart  captures information vital to better cardiovascular disease management n only 30 seconds. 6 July 2005

First implants of Medtronic Adapta pacemaker for slow heart rhythm
Medtronic has started clinical studies to evaluate its Adapta pacemaker in Serbia, Germany and Austria. Within the next year, Medtronic expects to introduce a portfolio of fully automatic pacemakers, the Adapta, Versa, and Sensia, in countries worldwide. 6 July 2005

FDA issues notification of recall of Guidant defibrillators and Guidant issues new warnings
The FDA said some Guidant defibrillators can develop an internal short circuit without warning, resulting in failure to deliver a shock when needed. Guidant has said that magnetic switches in other models may become stuck. 26 June 2005

Multislice Computed Tomography shows promise for noninvasive detection of coronary artery disease. 10 June 2005

Shock wave therapy gives remarkable results in wound healing and curing myocardial diseases
Effective, non-invasive and practically without side effects, extracorporeal shock wave therapy has demonstrated impressive results not only in orthopaedics and traumatology, but also in treating fresh and chronic wounds as well as circulatory disorders of the myocardial muscle. 8 June 2005

New cardiovascular imaging system introduced by GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare's new Innova(R) 2100IQ will enhance clinicians' ability to diagnose and treat heart disease and enable more precise placement of interventional devices such as stents, balloons and filters. 2 June 2005

Medtronic supports new European guidelines on use of ICDs and CRT as heart failure therapies
Under the new ESC heart-failure guidelines, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have been designated Class I for indicated heart failure patients, which means they are recognized as standard-of-care treatments for many heart failure patients already on optimal medical therapy. 29 May 2005

Defibrillators help explain mystery of emotionally triggered sudden cardiac arrest
The electrical characteristics of anger-triggered arrhythmias are more disorganised and unstable than arrhythmias unrelated to emotional events, giving a possible clue explaining why sudden cardiac arrest increases in people during stressful times. 21 May 2005

Biosense Webster software provides more precise imaging and navigation of the heart
The software enables electrophysiologists to create 3-D electroanatomical maps to give a more precise view of the heart, allowing them to better navigate catheters to targeted points within the heart. 21 May 2005

Medtronic streamlines clinician access to cardiac device data with wireless communications
Medtronic has announced three major advances that help streamline use of important cardiac data. The company has received US FDA approval to distribute a wireless-enabled, in-clinic device programmer, the Medtronic CareLink programmer which will enable wireless communication with implanted devices and high-speed data connectivity using the MICS radiofrequency band. 19 May 2005

Medtronic evaluates remote monitoring of heart activity, weight and blood pressure in heart failure patients
Medtronic has begun a U.S. pilot evaluation with Carematix, Inc. to assess the efficacy and convenience of remotely monitoring physiological heart data, weight and blood pressure in the management of heart failure. 14 May 2005

Biophan releases additional data on pacemaker and defibrillator lead heating
Research by Biophan Technologies has revealed that the most prevalent heating occurs not at the electrode tip of a lead, but actually a short distance away from the electrode tip, in the tissue itself. 14 May 2005

Biophan veröffentlicht neue Daten über Erwärmung von Schrittmacherkabeln
Biophan Technologies, Inc. ein Innovationsunternehmen, das biomedizinische Technologie der nächsten Generation entwickelt, veröffentlichte heute weitere technische Daten über seine Forschung über die Erwärmung von Kabeln von Schrittmachern und implantierbaren Defibrillatoren. 14 Mai 2005

Siemens introduces revolutionary nuclear cardiology imaging system
Siemens Medical Solutions has announced that its c.cam — a unique, reclining dedicated cardiac gamma camera system — will be available for the European market. 4 May 2005

MRI technology enables non-invasive imaging of implantable blood filters to prevent pulmonary embolism
Biophan Technologies has announced that a new round of experimental tests have demonstrated the ability of the company's proprietary technology to enable MRIs of Vena Cava filters. Vena Cava filters are implanted in the Vena Cava of some patients undergoing surgery to capture and trap blood clots that have the potential to cause embolisms. May 2005

University of Florida students build smaller, smarter heart pump
The miniaturised heart pump  could become a life-saving alternative for patients waiting in long lines for scarce donor hearts. The device has novel pumping technology that makes it smaller and smarter than currently available ventricular assist devices. May 2005

Worldwide research to demonstrate benefits of fluid status monitoring for heart failure patients
Medtronic has announced a series of worldwide clinical studies designed to further demonstrate the patient and clinician advantages of the new implantable InSync Sentry system to help detect and manage worsening heart failure. April 2005

Medtronic recalls additional defibrillators
Medtronic has identified an additional 396 monophasic LIFEPAK 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be included in a voluntary recall originally announced on Feb. 25, 2005. The company will be contacting the owners of the devices. April 2005

Imaging technology could guide therapy designed to prevent heart attacks
A catheter-based imaging technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT) can successfully identify the characteristics of coronary plaques in patients with various cardiac symptoms, according to researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). April 2005

European premier for combined single photon emission CT and diagnostic CT at Erlangen Hospital
The Nuclear Medicine Clinic and the Radiological Institute at Erlangen University Hospital have begun using Europe’s first combined system for SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and diagnostic Computed Tomography. This opens new opportunities for physicians in detecting tumours and cardiac diseases. April 2005

Medwave to provide sensor-based non-invasive blood pressure solutions to Analogic Corp.
Analogic will incorporate Medwave's non-invasive blood pressure technology into its patient monitoring product line. Analogic will also integrate Medwave's sensor-based blood pressure solutions into their own products, or products that they design and manufacture for other medical device companies. March 2005

Philips introduces new cardiology products and technologies at ACC annual meeting. March 2005

Cardiac resynchronization therapy saves lives and reduces hospitalisations in heart failure patients
The results of the CARE-HF (Cardiac Resynchronization in Heart Failure) randomised, controlled trial were presented during a Late-Breaking Clinical Trial session at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session. March 2005

GE showcases advances in cardiac care at ACC congress
These include GE's first cardiology-specific installation of its next-generation CT scanner, its third all-digital heart hospital in the United States built from the ground up, and cardiology research using GE's CodeLink system. March 2005

First home blood pressure monitor to detect and accurately flag irregular heart beat
Microlife USA today announced the launch of its new upper arm blood pressure monitor, the first home blood pressure monitor to detect the appearance irregular heartbeat and notify the user of the irregularity. March 2005

Criticare Systems releases new blood pressure measurement technology
Criticare Systems has released a new technology platform for non-invasive blood pressure measurement utilizing a traditional BP cuff. This system is based on the Criticare-pioneered "on inflation" principal but adds a greater level of patient comfort, safety, accuracy, reading speed and tolerance of a wide range of physical and environmental conditions. March 2005

Medwave launches new blood pressure module developers kit
Medwave has released its new enhanced OEM module developers kit, which allows medical device manufacturers to sample the Medwave blood pressure technology in a development setting without investment in engineering resources or time. March 2005

Arrhythmia Research Technology, to sponsor satellite session at ISHNE/ISE congress in Gdansk
Arrhythmia Research Technology will sponsor a satellite session, "Signal Averaged ECG — Is SAECG Back?" at the The Joint Congress of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE) and the International Society of Electrocardiology (ISE) in Gdansk from June 2–4, 2005. March 2005

SonoSite to highlight cardiac capabilities of TITAN ultrasound system at congress
SonoSite will showcase its high performance TITAN ultrasound system, including the new SonoCalc IMT software for assessment of cardiovascular risk, at the 54th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), March 6-9, 2005. March 2005

Edwards Lifesciences pays tribute to Dr Jeremy Swan's contributions to medical technology
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation paid tribute today to the late Jeremy Swan, M.D., chairman emeritus of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's division of cardiology and co-inventor of the Edwards Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter. The device has helped clinicians evaluate cardiovascular performance during heart surgery in more than 25 million patients. February 2005

Nexense launches home monitoring products based on contactless biosensors
The new product line is based on Nexense’s biosensor platform, which offers contact-free monitoring of vital signs, including heart and pulse rate, in a non-intrusive and non-radiating manner. February 2005

Study shows effectiveness of blood pressure monitor in emergency transport
Medwave's Vasotrac blood pressure monitor performed with a high degree of accuracy in the in ground ambulance, helicopter and jet air transport vehicles. February 2005

Thousands of UK heart failure deaths could be prevented, according to new survey
One of the largest surveys ever undertaken on heart failure shows that inadequate awareness, diagnosis and treatment may be contributing to thousands of preventable deaths every year. In the UK, heart failure claims at least 24,000 lives each year. February 2005

Long Beach Memorial to implant world's first device to manage the heart's fluid accumulation. January 2005

OR-Live.com presents: live heart surgical broadcast of a robotic assisted Mitral valve repair. January 2005

Boston Scientific launches drug-eluting stent system. January 2005