CABG or PCI? | New drug candidate for AFib fails | Leadership changes at Edwards Lifesciences | Drinking habits & heart health

John Puskas, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University Hospital Midtown, noted that both treatment options have their own benefits. It often depends on the patient's age and comorbidities, though there are other factors to consider as well. 

Researchers had thought 2-HOBA might reduce the risk of AFib recurrence after catheter ablation procedures. What they found, however, was that treatment with the compound was actually harmful for patients instead of helpful. 

The change comes at a momentous time for the company's TAVR portfolio, which made history in May by receiving the very first FDA approval for treating asymptomatic severe AS.

Prior studies have already evaluated how individual drinks affect the heart—but what about a person's beverage choices over an extended period of time?

The FDA and other federal agencies believe limiting ultra-processed foods can help "Make America Healthy Again." They highlighted years of research linking these foods to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. 

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a popular research topic among cardiologists, highlighting just how closely obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease are related to one another. Joshua Joseph, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about this ongoing trend.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a rare, potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. A new gene therapy candidate from Solid Biosciences is now one step closer to FDA approval. 

Shockwave Medical, now a part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has consistently been found safe for patients. However, many previous clinical trials excluded high-risk patients, making it important to track real-world outcomes as time goes on.

Edwards Lifesciences has recalled more than 61,000 medical devices due to the risk of a small piece of wire becoming exposed. No patient injuries have been reported at this time.

Finerenone, sold by Bayer under the brand name Kerendia, is now approved in the United States for the treatment of HFmrEF and HFpEF. The drug has already been used for years to treat patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

This proposal, if finalized, would dramatically increase patient access to renal denervation. Both Recor Medical and Medtronic have shared their excitement over the news.

Under the proposal, Medicare would add an interventional radiology payment pathway, creating a new reporting framework for IRs as part of MIPS.

The Department of Veterans Affairs said the new funding was made possible by its cost-saving measures, including a reduction of 30,000 staff and the consolidation of call centers.