Stroke

Cardiovascular departments are playing a role in stroke interventions at numerous health systems, working as part of the stroke care team with neurologists, radiology and the emergency department. Stroke first has be be classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic. These have very different care pathways. Ischemic strokes are increasingly being treated with neurological-interventional therapy that includes catheter based mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot. This is a more aggressive treatment compared to traditional IV administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and  intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) brain bleeds can also be treated in some cases stent flow diverters and embolization coils. 

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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.

Contego Medical, a North Carolina-based medical device company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its new all-in-one carotid stenting offering, the Neuroguard IEP System

FDA gives green light to 3-in-1 carotid stent system designed to limit strokes

The newly approved system includes a stent, dilation balloon and integrated embolic protection filter. After CMS expanded Medicare coverage for carotid artery stenting in 2023, the procedures are expected to grow more and more common as time goes on. 

COVID from a patient's nasal passage. Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (gold) within endosomes of a heavily infected nasal olfactory epithelial cell. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Image courtesy of NIAID. What does COVID look like?

History of COVID-19 doubles long-term risk of heart attack, stroke or death

A patient's blood type appears to play a major role in their odds of developing cardiovascular issues after COVID-19, researchers found. 

money business cash flow dollar

AstraZeneca spends up to $1.9B for new heart disease drug

Early data suggest the drug, an oral lipoprotein (a) disruptor, could make a significant impact on patient care. AstraZeneca will pay $100 million upfront, with much more to follow if certain milestones are met. 

The FreeClimb 70 reperfusion system with Tenzing 7 delivery catheter. Image courtesy of Route 92 Medical.

Stroke specialists raise another $50M thanks to late investment from Novo Holdings

California-based Route 92 Medical previously announced a funding round worth more than $31 million in November. Now, however, a massive addition from Novo Holdings makes the round worth closer to $82 million. 

cross market hospital mergers

Abiomed, Biosense Webster, Cerenovus now all known as Johnson & Johnson MedTech

These companies were already part of the Johnson & Johnson family, but they had still retained their previous brand names. Now, each one is officially going by Johnson & Johnson MedTech. 

Treating mitral regurgitation with transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the MitraClip device is associated with a low risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) such as stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), according to new data published in The American Journal of Cardiology.[1]

TEER with Abbott’s MitraClip linked to low stroke risk, new study confirms

Treating severe MR with the popular device does not appear to increase a patient's risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack. When patients present with AFib, however, care teams may want to make certain adjustments to optimize outcomes. 

Boston Scientific's Sentinel Cerebral Protection System during a TAVR procedure

Cerebral protection during TAVR linked to lower risk of major stroke, other key benefits

Using a cerebral protection device during TAVR was associated with lower readmission rates, shorter hospital stays—and, yes, a lower risk of patients suffering a major stroke. A team of specialists with Cleveland Clinic shared their new findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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