Patient deaths lead to device recalls | Cardiologists perform first-in-human heart procedures | AFib & TAVR

Boston Scientific is recalling the catheters associated with its POLARx Cryoablation System due to a heightened risk of esophageal injury. The FDA has ruled that this a Class I recall.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the recall notice for more than 200,000 pacemakers because a battery issue could lock the device in safe mode. 

The first-in-human procedures were performed in Prague with the investigational Aveir CSP leadless pacemaker system.

Joseph C. Wright, a longtime Merit Medical employee, resigned after unspecified allegations regarding his conduct were brought to light. He was named the company's new president back in May.

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

While the technology and techniques associated with TAVR have advanced over the years, treating patients who present with baseline atrial fibrillation is still associated with certain risks.

The HEARTS Act is focused on improving cardiomyopathy education and awareness while getting more AEDs in schools. The ACC, AHA and other medical societies have supported the bipartisan bill, which now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

California-based Acutus Medical has said its ongoing agreement to manufacture and distribute left-heart access devices for Medtronic is the company's only source of revenue.