Vascular & Endovascular

This channel includes news on non-coronary vascular disease and therapies. These include peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism (PE), critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery and stroke interventions, venous interventions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and interventional radiology therapies. The focus on most of these therapies is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures performed in a cath lab.

Example of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shown as part of the multimodality imaging capability on the Fujifilm CVIS.

IVUS-guided PCI reduces risks in patients with diabetes

PCI can be more challenging in high-risk patients presenting with diabetes and ACS. IVUS guidance was associated with improved outcomes among these patients compared to angiography guidance alone. 

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

LAAC with Watchman FLX reduces bleeding risks after AFib ablation

The new data, presented during AHA Scientific Sessions 2024, suggest LAAC with Boston Scientific's Watchman FLX could be a safe, effective alternative to OAC for limiting post-ablation strokes.

The Abbott Esprit BTK everolimus-eluting biosorbable scaffold system for below the knee peripheral artery disease on display at TCT 2024. Photo by Dave FornellTCTn 2024 DF

Bioresorbable BTK stent superior to ballon angioplasty at 2 years

Late-breaking data from the LIFE-BTK clinical trial showed that the Esprit BTK bioresorbable scaffold system offered better two-year outcomes than balloon angioplasty in severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) below the knee.

Shockwave Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter

Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology delivers more positive outcomes for PAD patients

Multiple late-breaking presentations at VIVA 2024 in Las Vegas focused on the benefits of treating peripheral artery disease with the company's intravascular lithotripsy portfolio.

Standing desks gained popularity in recent years, especially once the COVID-19 pandemic had more and more people working from home, but they may not necessarily make that much of a difference.

Standing desks fail to lower blood pressure or minimize heart risks—they may even do damage

Sitting too long can be bad for the heart, but standing desks do not appear to make a difference.

The Shockwave Medical M5+ new peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter cuts procedures times in half and was showed for the first time at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2022 meeting. It is designed to break up calcium in heavily calcified arteries to avoid the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure angioplasty.

IVL vs. RA for chronic total occlusion PCI: Key data cardiologists should know

Patient outcomes for these two treatments are similar, but choosing IVL may help improve clinical workflows. 

Americans know very little about vascular health, prompting surgeons to speak out

Many Americans have never heard of peripheral artery disease or other common vascular conditions. In fact, a vast majority are not sure what vascular surgeons do.

Surgeons Operating On Patient

Compensation jumps 6% for heart surgeons, hits all-time high for vascular surgeons

While production is relatively unchanged compared to the previous year, compensation is up significantly for cardiovascular surgeons in the United States. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.