Happy Friday! Innovation was a hot topic this month, with readers responding to stories about new heart procedures, state-of-the-art technology and advanced artificial intelligence models. It shows that cardiologists and other members of the heart team truly never stop looking for new ways to help their patients. Another big story in May was the ongoing rumors surrounding Shockwave Medical. Could a big-dollar acquisition be in the cards? Stay tuned to find out. 

As always, thank you for reading. - Michael Walter | Editor

“I was ready to make out my will, so this came along just at the right time,” the 76-year-old patient said. 

Talks between the two companies have reached a standstill, according to a new report. The rumor appears to have impacted the stock prices of both Boston Scientific and Shockwave Medical. 

Bruce Wilkoff, MD, director of cardiac pacing and tachyarrhythmia devices at Cleveland Clinic, said the new device could be "an important advancement for heart failure patients."

Cardiology is linked to the second largest group of FDA-cleared clinical AI algorithms, and the number is still growing. 

The DurAVR transcatheter heart valve, developed by Minnesota-based Anteris Technologies, was designed to move and perform like a healthy, pre-disease native aortic valve.

Cardiologists employed by a hospital appear to be more likely to pursue cardiac catheterization or angioplasty than independent cardiologists.

Overall, 31.2% of U.S. physicians say they have been sued. When looking at only cardiologists, the percentage is slightly higher.

The two new leadless pacemakers, the Micra AV2 and Micra VR2, feature much longer batteries than previous models. 

Marcelo DiCarli, MD, and Rob Beanlands, MD, shared their thoughts on the current state of cardiac imaging at ACC.23. 

The healthcare technology company, previously known as Angel Medical Systems, is merging with BIOS Acquisition Corporation to form a new publicly traded company.