Blueberries for the Win, Robotics Review, and More

This week’s edition of Cardio Round-up provides some great news if you like blueberries, contains a review of robotics in cardiac medicine, looks at the progress deep learning has made in myocardial perfusion imaging, and a blog on how to prepare for an angioplasty.

I Heart Blueberries

A cup of blueberries is consumed daily was associated with improvements in cardiometabolic function, according to a new study in the American Journal of Nutrition. The study, which was the longest of its kind, revealed that a cup of blueberries (but interestingly, not a half-cup) eaten daily was associated with improvements in endothelial function, arterial stiffness and attenuated cyclic guanosin monophosphate concentrations, as well as elevated high-density lipoprotein levels. “The simple and attainable message is to consume one cup of blueberries daily to improve cardiovascular health,” one of the lead authors remarked.

Deep Learning and Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

A deep learning analysis of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging was able to improve diagnosis for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to a new paper. A deep-learning analysis was compared to standard clinical readings, and the results suggested that the deep learning model improved per-patient sensitivity, and the deep learning model was also associated with improvements on a per-patient and per-vessel basis. ” “The latest developments in artificial intelligence can be efficiently leveraged to enhance the accuracy of existing nuclear medicine techniques,” one of the authors wrote.

A Review of Robotics in Heart Surgery

A quick DocWire News review of the topic of robotics and how the technology is used in the heart surgery space. The piece includes a brief review of some of the procedures in which robotics have been successfully used (such as coronary artery bypass grafting and thoracoscopic surgery), as well as some of the benefits of using robotics, and finally a look at where robotics in heart surgery may be headed in the near future.

Blog: How to Prepare for an Angioplasty

Undergoing an angioplasty is no small thing, and there are some easy things you can do prior to the procedure and after the procedure to make it as effective and (relatively) painless as possible. Pre-procedure activities can include increasing patient education with one’s physician about the procedure and what it means for that individual patient, as well as a note on when to eat prior to the procedure. Recommendations for the day of the procedure, and post-procedure (from outpatient to home) are included, too.