Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

FDA announces catheter recall for Johnson & Johnson PFA system due to stroke risk
The recall comes after approximately 3% of patients treated with the device during the early stages of its U.S. rollout experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack following surgery. The expected stroke rate is closer to 1%, the FDA explained.
Wearable heart device company to go public, raise up to $155M
Kestra Medical Technologies, known for its wearable heart monitors and defibrillators, intends to sell 10 million common shares priced somewhere between $14 and $16 per share.
FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary
These safety issues have been linked to more than 800 injuries and two deaths. It is possible, the FDA warned, that some patients may require a device to be removed and replaced.
Cardiologist questions FDA’s approval process for high-risk medical devices
The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.
Johnson & Johnson resumes PFA rollout after stopping to review safety concerns
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has resumed the U.S. rollout of its Varipulse PFA system, sharing new warnings to help physicians.

The late-breaking U.S. multicenter admIRE clinical trial at the Heart Rhythm Society 2024 meeting, showed positive data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the the Biosense Webster Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. #HRS #HRS2024 #PFA

FDA announces catheter recall for Johnson & Johnson PFA system due to stroke risk

The recall comes after approximately 3% of patients treated with the device during the early stages of its U.S. rollout experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack following surgery. The expected stroke rate is closer to 1%, the FDA explained.

Wearable heart device company to go public, raise up to $155M

Kestra Medical Technologies, known for its wearable heart monitors and defibrillators, intends to sell 10 million common shares priced somewhere between $14 and $16 per share.

FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary

These safety issues have been linked to more than 800 injuries and two deaths. It is possible, the FDA warned, that some patients may require a device to be removed and replaced.

Cardiologist questions FDA’s approval process for high-risk medical devices

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

Biosense Webster, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, shared updated data on its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system at AF Symposium 2024 in Boston,

Johnson & Johnson resumes PFA rollout after stopping to review safety concerns

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has resumed the U.S. rollout of its Varipulse PFA system, sharing new warnings to help physicians.

AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

LAAO or DOAC? Mayo Clinic AI helps guide treatment of AFib patients

It can be challenging to know which AFib patients are the best candidates for LAAO. A new algorithm out of Mayo Clinic aims to address that problem.

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, director of cardiac electrophysiology laboratories at the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, explains lessons from the AHA statement on COVID caused arrhythmias.

Key details associated with the treatment of COVID-induced arrhythmias

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, lead author of a recent American Heart Association scientific statement on cardiac arrhythmias associated with COVID-19, reviewed the latest science associated with this important topic.

Aortic valve calcium scores help predict need for a permanent pacemaker after TAVR

RBBB remains the single strongest predictor for PPMI after TAVR, but high AV calcium scores still provide care teams with considerable value.

Around the web

Radiology Business

The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

Radiology Business

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.