The HCI Spotlight

Volume XVII | Issue 8 | August 2025

THE HCI SPOTLIGHT

HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry

Robert J. Stilley

President, CEO

HeartCare Imaging, Inc.

A Message from the CEO

Dear Colleagues –

Business relationships are usually built on an exchange—products or services for a fee. Even in complex arrangements, most boil down to this simple structure. It makes sense, and it’s what allows economies and societies to flourish.

But recently, I’ve had to step into a personal responsibility close to home that required my time and energy without expecting anything in return. At first, it felt like an imposition, pulling me away from the “stuff I had to do.” Yet the more I leaned into giving for its own sake, the more I realized how rewarding it was. In fact, I found that the act of giving freely not only brought me peace, but also gave me a new perspective on what really matters. And somehow, the “stuff” still got done.

This experience reminded me that while our business structures keep the world turning, there’s also a deeper truth: life isn’t just about transactions. It’s about showing up for others, even when nothing is expected back. These moments don’t just strengthen our relationships; they shape who we are.

At HCI, I know we live out this spirit already, whether it’s going the extra mile for a hospital partner, stepping in to help a colleague, or supporting our local communities. As we look ahead, I want us to keep finding opportunities to lend a hand simply because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes the most meaningful impact comes when we give for no reason other than to help.

Best Regards,

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Nuclear Medicine

SNMMI Launches Global Radiopharmaceutical Trial Finder

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is proud to announce the launch of the Global Radiopharmaceutical Trial Finder a revolutionary, AI-powered platform designed to help researchers, clinicians and patients instantly discover radiopharmaceutical clinical trials that meet their specific needs.

PSMA PET/CT Prior to Salvage Radiotherapy Improves Overall Survival for Prostate Cancer Patients: Real-World Data from an Entire Country

A new study from Denmark shows for the first time that men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer who undergo PSMA PET/CT before salvage radiotherapy have improved survival rates compared to those who do not. Using data collected nationwide over a period of eight years, researchers confirmed that PSMA PET/CT is a valuable tool for identifying patients who are likely to benefit from salvage radiotherapy.

Novel Topical Fluorescent Imaging Technique Rapidly and Safely Detects Basal Cell Carcinoma

A topical fluorescent molecular contrast agent, PARPi-FL, can detect basal cell carcinoma through intact skin in as little as five minutes in ex vivo human tissues, according to new preclinical research published in the August issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Taylor Swift Raising Awareness of Heart Disease and Nuclear Stress Testing

Last week, Taylor Swift shared that her father, Scott Kingsley Swift, underwent quintuple bypass surgery after a nuclear stress test revealed severe coronary artery disease.

Shine working toward U.S. production of Mo-99 for SPECT imaging

Shine Technologies is moving closer to restoring domestic production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), the most widely used isotope in nuclear medicine, after decades of reliance on foreign reactors.

Surgeons can 'hear' cancerous lesions with help of new dual-mode radiotracer

Researchers have developed a new radiotracer that will give providers unprecedented visualization of prostate tumor margins during surgery.

Cardiology

Study Finds Every Additional Hour Of Screen Time Linked To Increase In Heart Risk Factors Among Children, Teens

Screen time appears to increase risk of future heart health problems among children and teens.

PET imaging links ultra-processed meals to myocardial blood flow changes

PET imaging showed changes in myocardial blood flow in healthy adults after eating ultra-processed meals, according to a study in Scientific Reports.

Older adults with CVD less adherent to healthy lifestyle recommendations

Older adults who had an average of one type of cardiovascular disease were less adherent to Life's Essential 8 lifestyle factors than those who did not have cardiovascular disease, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

HEPA air purifiers can help lower blood pressure, study finds

Nearly a quarter of Americans live near busy roadways and are exposed to traffic-related pollution.

Abbott’s dissolving stent picks up a key approval

Abbott’s Esprit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System has gained CE mark approval for the treatment of people with below the knee (BTK) peripheral artery disease (PAD). The stent dissolves over time once the patient’s blood flow has been restored, helping improve the outcomes for these high-risk patients who have previously had limited treatment options.

Even mild Covid may leave blood vessels five years older

Researchers discovered that Covid accelerates blood vessel aging by about five years, especially in women. Even mild infections increased arterial stiffness, with vaccinated individuals showing less damage. This vascular aging may raise long-term heart and stroke risk.

More Heart Fat Linked to Greater Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

New research reveals a significant connection between having more fat around the heart and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in previously unaffected individuals.

Low-Cal Mediterranean Diet Plus Exercise Linked to Less Diabetes Onset

Trial finds yet another benefit in older adults with metabolic syndrome and high BMI.

Health

Mediterranean diet may slow cognitive decline in those at high genetic risk

A new study found that following a Mediterranean diet may help lower a person’s risk of developing dementia and decelerate cognitive decline.

World’s First Personalized Spine Implant Surgery Restores Movement

Surgeons have performed the world’s first anterior cervical spine surgery using a fully personalized implant designed for a patient’s unique anatomy. Unlike standard one-size-fits-all devices, the new implant was created with AI-assisted planning and 3D printing, allowing for precise alignment and better structural support.

Caffeine pouch craze: A teenage trend troubling some experts

A growing number of US teenagers are using caffeine pouches to get an energy rush, say experts who worry the trend could soon take off in the UK.

Tiny Eye Implant Becomes the First FDA-approved Therapy for Rare Blindness

Phase 3 trial results from Scripps Research and collaborators helped support FDA approval of ENCELTO, the first cell-based therapy for a neurodegenerative retinal condition called MacTel.

More likely to be struck by lightning than get tetanus. So why the boosters?

As long as childhood vaccination rates remain strong, U.S. could save $1 billion annually by dropping boosters for adults.

Bayer, Kumquat Biosciences Team Up on New Potential Cancer Drug

As part of the agreement, Kumquat will receive up to $1.3 billion and additional tiered royalties on net sales.

Metabolic Syndrome Tied to Increased Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals with metabolic syndrome have a 39% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) than those without the syndrome, a new study showed.

8 Best Heart Rate Monitor Watches for 2025

Heart rate monitor watches can help track exercise intensity and may detect irregular heart rhythms.

Health Care Industry News

Top healthcare legislation to watch so far this year

Federal lawmakers have proposed dozens of bills targeting core healthcare issues, including 340B, Medicaid, AI and site-neutral payments.

A $50B rural health fund was negotiated with hospitals in mind. Experts are split on whether it will help them at all

The fund was created to help Republicans secure critical votes for their reconciliation bill. But experts aren’t quite sure how it’ll work.

Hospitals prepare for $149B cut to Medicaid state-directed payments

New limits to the program could force hospitals to slash capital spending while bracing for millions of newly uninsured patients.

Physicians are working more but reimbursement isn’t keeping pace, report finds

Physicians are working harder now than in past years, but they’re getting less for that work, according to new research from Kaufman Hall.

Neuroscience

Having a Purpose in Life Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

A new study of over 13,000 adults found that having a strong sense of purpose in life is linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Those with higher purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, even when accounting for genetic risk and other factors.

Feline Dementia Mirrors Human Alzheimer’s

A new study shows that cats with dementia exhibit brain changes strikingly similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, including the toxic build-up of amyloid-beta in synapses. These changes disrupt connections between brain cells and contribute to memory and thinking decline.

When Gut Rhythms Over-Sync With the Brain, Mental Strain Rises

A large-scale study has found that unusually strong coordination between brain activity and the stomach’s slow, rhythmic waves may signal greater mental distress. Using fMRI and electrogastrography on more than 240 people, researchers observed that higher synchronization was associated with elevated anxiety, depression, and stress.

Too much salt can hijack your brain

A discovery in rats challenges long-held beliefs about hypertension and points to the brain as a new treatment target.

Why listening may be the most powerful medicine

In a health system where speed often replaces empathy, researchers highlight the life-changing power of listening. Beyond simple questions, values-driven listening—marked by presence, curiosity, and compassion—can transform both patients and providers.

Microglia Transplant Restores Function in Degenerative Brain Disease

Scientists have developed a targeted brain cell transplant that could transform treatment for Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. By depleting diseased microglia and replacing them with healthy donor precursor cells, researchers restored crucial enzyme function in the brain and dramatically extended lifespan in mice.

HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com

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