LAAO with Watchman FLX associated with positive 1-year outcomes, real-world data confirm

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman FLX device from Boston Scientific is associated with positive outcomes and limited adverse events after one year, according to new findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] Many prior Watchman FLX studies, including PINNACLE FLX, had focused on the device’s performance in a controlled setting. The study’s authors hoped to gain a better understanding of its real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S

Watchman FLX image courtesy of Boston Scientific. 

Researchers hoped to gain a better understanding of the device's real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S. patients. Overall, the Watchman FLX was linked to positive data and limited adverse events one year after treatment. 

CMS may double Medicare payments for cardiac CT

Cardiac CT scan for a pre-procedural assessment of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure at Duly Healthcare in the Chicago suburbs. Cardiac CT use has increased the past few years and now CMS is looking to double what it pays for them in the 2025 HOPPS proposed rule. Photo by Dave Fornell

Cardiac CT scan for a pre-procedural assessment of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure at Duly Healthcare in the Chicago suburbs. Cardiac CT use has increased the past few years and now CMS is looking to double what it pays for them in the 2025 HOPPS proposed rule. Photo by Dave Fornell

The agency is gathering feedback on a proposal to double the amount hospitals are paid for coronary computed tomography angiography, with the comment period ending Sept. 9.

New TAVR valve for native aortic regurgitation linked to positive 30-day outcomes

The J-Valve manufactured by JC Medical, a Genesis MedTech company, includes a self-expanding nitinol frame, bovine pericardial leaflets and three anchor rings designed to assist operators with alignment. Its delivery system was built with transfemoral access in mind, and JC Medical plans to offer the valve in five different sizes.

Structural heart specialists from The Christ Hospital. This team participated in a new EFS study focused on the J Valve from JC Medical. Image courtesy of JC Medical, a Genesis MedTech company, and The Christ Hospital.

The J Valve from JC Medical was linked to positive outcomes and “excellent” hemodynamic data after 30 days in an early feasibility study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Researchers noted that the valve showed potential in patients with large aortic annuli, which represents an "unmet critical need" at this stage.