After years of implanting and studying LAAO devices, an interventional cardiologist with the University of Chicago has designed a new alternative that could reduce the risk of bleeding and save health systems money.

The next-generation device includes a stylet-driven lead and a fixed helix. It was designed and developed specifically with LBBAP in mind. 

Mandates for universal ECG screening are gaining momentum as a way to combat the risk of SCA. However, the ACC warned, modern healthcare systems were not built to withstand such a rise in demand. These mandates will also result in higher costs and other unintended consequences.

Back in February, the FDA expanded a recall of several reprocessed EP and ultrasound catheters due to a risk of contamination. The agency is now sharing additional information with the public.

The new technology synthesizes signals from a credit card-sized device into a 12-lead ECG representation. 

The newly cleared CARA System from Cara Medical was designed to help clinicians before and during a variety of cardiac procedures. It provides a personalized 3D map of the patient's cardiac conduction system and then overlays that map onto live fluoroscopic images.

The technology first gained CE mark approval for the treatment of paroxysmal AFib in 2021, when PFA was still brand new. Now, thanks to positive results from the ADVANTAGE AF clinical trial, it is approved for persistent AFib as well. 

Nearly 40 healthcare organizations signed a letter in support of the bipartisan legislation, noting that Medicare's “efficiency adjustment” decreases reimbursement during a challenging time for physicians.