CVB homepage

Society of Thoracic Surgeons shares new risk calculator for aortic surgeries

The new resource was built to help care teams plan for ascending aorta and aortic root surgeries.

Heart Rhythm 2025 Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD

Pulsed field ablation was one of the biggest topics at Heart Rhythm 2025, the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society. Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Kardium and Field Medical all shared new data at the conference highlighting the safety and effectiveness of their advanced PFA technologies. 

OmniaSecure defibrillation lead for placement within a patient’s right ventricle

Medtronic emphasized that this device should be especially valuable when treating younger patients or those with a small anatomy.

robotic assisted robotic surgery robot

Robotic and traditional mitral valve repair surgeries are mostly associated with similar outcomes when treating elderly patients. In some ways, however, robotic procedures may be preferred. 

Alexander Kolomaya, MD, a cardiology resident at the University of Utah, presented a study on U.S. national trends in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) volume and open payments from vendors to operators at the American Heart Association 2024 meeting.

Consulting fees and other vendor payments do not appear to be directly influencing U.S. physicians to implant more Watchman devices. Researcher Alexander Kolomaya, MD, discussed his team's findings on this topic.

AI healthcare doctor surgery procedure artificial intelligence

Advanced AI can provide real-time feedback to cardiologists, helping them deliver high-quality care. 

Innovation at work

The late-breaking five-year results of the Evolut Low-Risk Trial presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 meeting in late March, showed positive results for the Evolut transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system vs. surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). 

Sponsored by Medtronic

Around the web

Radiology practices are already operating on razor thin margins, with price increases prompting calls for congressional action to prevent further damage. 

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?