Imaging Device Therapy: Essentials for the Imager

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) management is evolving.
• New technologies aim to reduce heart failure readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
• Cardiac imaging is integral to the deployment and surveillance of novel cardiovascular interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of cardiac imaging in the context of advanced heart failure therapies.
• To discuss imaging techniques for novel hemodynamic monitoring and left atrial unloading devices.
• To highlight key clinical considerations for device implantation and follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cardiac imaging modalities for device assessment.
• Discussion of imaging protocols for pre-procedural planning, intra-procedural guidance, and post-procedural monitoring.
• Integration of clinical data with imaging findings for patient management.

Main Results:

• Fully implantable pulmonary artery sensors offer remote hemodynamic monitoring for heart failure readmission risk.
• Interatrial shunt devices are under investigation for left atrial unloading.
• Cardiac imaging is essential for patient selection, procedural success, and long-term device function.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac imaging is indispensable for the effective use of new heart failure technologies.
• Advanced imaging techniques guide the selection and management of patients with hemodynamic monitoring and interatrial shunt devices.
• The integration of device therapy and cardiac imaging promises improved outcomes for heart failure patients.