Doctor paralyzed after decades in the cath lab | Clot-busting robots could transform care | Real-world data favor SAVR over TAVR

Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.

The robots are capable of swimming through a patient’s vascular system and removing blood clots. “It’s unbelievable," one Stanford researcher said. "This is a sea-change technology that will drastically improve our ability to help people.”

Researchers in Italy tracked data from more than 7,000 patients who underwent AVR between the ages of 65 and 80. TAVR was associated with a significantly higher long-term risk of mortality.

Emile Bacha, MD, is an internationally recognized leader in both pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery.

Researchers emphasized that minimizing procedural contrast use is an effective way to reduce the risk of post-PCI acute kidney injury. 

From new drug therapies and imaging technologies to updated prevention strategies, nearly every aspect of cardiovascular care is starting to embrace the value of coronary inflammation evaluations. Paul Ridker, MD, MPH, discussed the trend in a new interview.

Medical students pointed to a lack of experience with cardiothoracic surgery as a primary reason for their lack of interest. In addition, many believe they may encounter a bias against Black trainees if they got involved in the specialty.

Cardiovascular Associates of America and cardiologist-founded HybridChart are now working together in a move designed to deliver value-based care to heart patients.

More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.

The company says the new device was designed to improve image quality, provide additional maneuverability and simplify ablation workflows for electrophysiologists. 

“Conventional chest tubes are prone to clogging, which can hinder recovery,” one researcher explained. 

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling this a recall, an updated set of use instructions of Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the pumps, will allow for their safe, continued use. 

Compared to other healthcare workers, technologists may have a more positive outlook of their career trajectories and how outside forces may affect them.