IVL safe, effective in patients with calcified nodules | Key TAVR data out of London

Intravascular lithotripsy is still a safe and effective frontline preparation tool when PCI patients present with calcified nodules, a new two-year study confirmed. Researchers focused on stent expansion and luminal gain, among other key data points.

One study presented during the three-day conference focused on the potential benefits of an optimized TAVR pathway. Another study, meanwhile, tracked changes in paravalvular leak severity over time.

The Mediterranean diet, named after the traditional eating habits of Greece and Italy, was once again linked to multiple cardiovascular benefits. The focus of this latest meta-analysis was adults over the age of 60.

PPM is still relatively common after TAVR, especially among patients with a small aortic annulus. What can be done to minimize the risk of PPM? Does valve type play a role? Researchers explored those questions, and many others.

Landiolol, sold by AOP Health under the brand name Rapiblyk, is an intravenous treatment designed to start working right away.

TAVR patients in this study were treated with early-generation devices that have since been updated, but researchers still believe their data are relevant to today's care teams.

Deepak Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about the growing importance of evaluating coronary inflammation in heart patients. There has been an explosion of interest in this area since the FDA's 2023 clearance of colchicine.

Medtronic has launched new research into AI's potential to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis and other worrying symptoms. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach individuals who may otherwise go untreated.

There have been no reported injuries. However, due to the risk of death or paralysis associated with metal debris entering brain tissue, the recall is designated Class I, the most serious of its type. 

The French company plans to open new offices in the U.S., expand its network, pursue FDA certification and intensify research and development.