Week in Review: PFA catheters recalled | Devices pulled from market | FDA approves stroke drug | New ACS guidelines

The recall comes after approximately 3% of patients treated with the device during the early stages of its U.S. rollout experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack following surgery. The expected stroke rate is closer to 1%, the FDA explained.

Philips is recalling all sizes of its Tack Endovascular System after 20 patient injuries were reported. Interventional cardiologists are urged to stop using the device immediately. 

The ACC, AHA, HFSA, HRS and SCAI all worked together to try and make the new board a reality. Though their proposal has been denied, the groups say they are not done fighting. 

The historic heart procedure was part of a series of operations that saved the lives of three young girls. “The whole situation is extraordinary, whether you look at it from the standpoint of a scientific breakthrough or the average person’s point of view,” one parent said. 

The new Self-Centering Guide Catheter was designed to help care teams with the retrograde crossing of the aortic valve during TAVR. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the catheter, sharing their experience in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Tenecteplase is a tissue plasminogen activator given to patients through a single five-second intravenous bolus. It is only the second drug of its kind to gain FDA approval, and the first in many years.

Boston Scientific has announced another significant M&A deal, scooping up an Israeli medtech company focused on RDN technology. 

The rapid rise of CCTA represents one of cardiology’s biggest ongoing trends, but most primary care providers are still not embracing a CT-first strategy.

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association published the new guidelines with assistance from other leading U.S. medical societies.