More than 1M pacemakers recalled | A safety warning from Abbott | Q&A: What cardiologists know and don’t know about PFA

The FDA has finalized new Class I recalls related to ongoing safety concerns with Boston Scientific’s Accolade family of pacemakers. A software update is now available to help address the issue, and an additional update is already in the works.

Improper removal of the catheter from the packaging can result in tip damage. Most damaged tips were detected prior to being used, but three tips did separate inside patients.
 

Peter Weiss, MD, a veteran electrophysiologist, sat down with Cardiovascular Business to discuss the ongoing rise of pulsed field ablation. While he's impressed with the technology, he says many questions remain about its long-term value. 

More research is still required, but Field Medical's FieldForce Ablation System may represent a significant step forward in the treatment of scar-related ventricular tachycardia.

The device, based on years of user feedback, is now cleared for use in both EMS and hospital settings.

Stereotaxis and CardioFocus are collaborating on a new robotic pulsed field ablation system. After completing some initial research, the companies are now working toward the launch of a clinical trial. 

It's still early, but a new feature could provide significant value when electrophysiologists use augmented reality during ablation procedures.