SCAI works to improve cath lab protection | Early AVR for asymptomatic severe AS boosts outcomes | New ASE guidelines

SCAI President James Hermiller, Jr., MD, explains the need for more innovative radiation protection systems in the cath lab.

Two separate groups have published new research comparing early AVR with clinical surveillance for the treatment of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Overall, the two groups found, early treatment was associated with multiple benefits—and no added risk of harm.

The new guidelines were designed to ensure sonographers and other members of the heart team have the information they need to screen patients when appropriate and identify early warnings signs of PH. 

A team of pediatric specialists worked closely with representative from Medtronic to develop the new pacemakers. Overall, the tiny devices—approximately one-quarter the size of a traditional pacemaker—were found to be both safe and effective. They are still under development.

One of the cardiologists involved in the procedures said they represent "a significant leap forward in structural heart intervention."

CCTA continues to grow more and more important in the day-to-day treatment of heart patients. Hospitals and health systems that fail to embrace the modality risk falling behind.

The years-long shortage of Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular prescription-only semaglutide injections, is officially over. 

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement. 

The people who can least afford healthcare are often among those who need healthcare the most. 

This marks the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule in over a decade, with HHS seeking to require multifactor authentication and written documentation of all policies.