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cardiologists heart doctors
TAVR valve for AR , a recent Edwards acquisition, delivers long-term value

The J-Valve System is associated with positive 10-year outcomes for patients with severe AR, according to new research out of China. It also performs well in patients with severe AS.

heart drugs with stethoscope
Cardiologist impressed by experimental pill that significantly lowers cholesterol

An experimental oral PCSK9 inhibitor is associated with LDL-C reductions that could prove to be a game-changer for patient care. 

Cardiologists urge Congress to pass new bills focused on PAD, Medicare coverage

SCAI has shared a new call to action as an observance of American Heart Month. The group is asking Congress to pass new pieces of legislation that could improve care for PAD patients and get important medical devices in the hands of interventional cardiologists.

Cerepak Detachable Coil Systems
FDA announces recall of Johnson & Johnson devices after multiple injuries, 1 death

Several detachable coil systems are being recalled due to a higher-than-expected failure to detach rate. Customers should not use them going forward.

the words "FDA recall" on a board
New recall includes nearly 23K bottles of triglycerides drug used to treat heart disease

New Jersey-based Zydus Pharmaceuticals has recalled nearly 23,000 bottles of its icosapent ethyl capsules due to leakage issues that may have weakened their effectiveness. 

heart surgery surgeons
SAVR linked to ‘excellent’ long-term survival for patients with bicuspid aortic valves

Survival rates are high for both men and women presenting with BAV disease, according to a new analysis of nearly 28,000 SAVR patients.

New meta-analysis explores potential of endovascular treatments for long femoropopliteal lesions

Open surgical bypass is the gold standard, but endovascular therapies may provide value for high-risk patients with long femoropopliteal lesions.

Cardiologist sparks fresh debate over mandatory vaccines

The cardiologist at the head of an influential CDC panel sees serious problems with modern vaccine policies. While many experts seem to disagree, one organization has jumped to his defense. 

Women who experience infertility may face higher heart failure risk

Researchers examined the health outcomes of 38,528 postmenopausal women—14% of whom had a history of infertility—over a 15-year period. 

Deaths from MI, stroke and pulmonary embolism are down among kidney patients receiving dialysis

The new analysis, published in JAMA Network Open, focused on more than 220,000 dialysis patients treated from 1998 to 2015. 

Edward Fry, MD, is the 2022-23 ACC president.
Q&A: New ACC President Edward Fry discusses the past, present and future of cardiology

Fry joined us for an exclusive interview, discussing lessons learned during the pandemic, some key ways to address physician burnout and much more. 

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate 

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

Around the web

Radiology Business
Overview of the new GE HealthCare photon-counting scanner technology

Tim Szczykutowicz, PhD, associate professor radiology, University of Wisconsin Madison, explains the new technology developments in GE HealthCare's  FDA 510(k)-pending photon-counting CT scanner.