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.

American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care
Pharmacists interact with patients on a regular basis and are seen as a trusted source of health information. Can they help cardiologists improve care for AFib patients?
2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life
Stroke is typically seen as the biggest danger for patients after they receive an AFib diagnosis. This study, however, suggests heart failure could be an even bigger threat.
FDA grants fast track designation to new drug for Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy
The new gene therapy candidate is now one step closer to being approved by the FDA.
Cardiologist-approved VR for interventional procedures headed to ACC.24
San Francisco-based Osso VR and the American College of Cardiology have collaborated on advanced LAAO simulations. The two groups first started working together back in 2022.
Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system
The company already received CE mark approval for its new PFA offering and hopes it will soon be approved for sale in the United States.

Medtronic's PulseSelect Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System

Real-world patients now being treated with Medtronic’s PFA system

Medtronic is celebrating the success of its PulseSelect pulsed field ablation product by highlighting its impact on heart patients around the world.

February 1, 2024

Farapulse Boston Scientific Pulsed Field Ablation PFA fda approval

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s pulsed field ablation system for AFib

The FDA’s final decision was based largely on positive results from the ADVENT clinical trial, which compared treatment with the Farapulse PFA System to the current standard of care.

January 31, 2024

Example of the Esolution device developed by S4 Medical being used during a radiofrequency ablation procedure. Image courtesy of Daoud et al.

New medical device helps cardiologists limit esophageal injuries during RF ablation procedures

Injuries to the esophagus remain a common complication associated with radiofrequency ablation procedures. New research suggests a device developed by S4 Medical could significantly reduce the risk of such injuries.

January 30, 2024

Element Science Jewel Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (P-WCD)

New patch-based wearable defibrillator receives CE mark approval

The device, which also received Great Britain’s UKCA marking, was specifically designed to be less bulky and easier to wear than other wearable cardioverter-defibrillators.

January 26, 2024

Medicare data stethoscope healthcare trends graphs finance financials

An updated look at combining LAAO with ablation, TAVR or other interventional heart procedures

Performing two procedures at once does not appear to make a significant impact on patient safety, though it may lead to a few new risks sure to interest heart teams.

January 23, 2024

Pre-clinical images of the Abbott Volt pulsed field ablation system creating lesions using electroporation, presented at the 2023 AHA Scientific Sessions, The Abbott PFA system is now being used in a first-in-human study at the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

First patients treated with Abbott’s pulsed field ablation offering

According to Abbott, its Volt system was specifically designed to address weaknesses seen in other first-generation PFA offerings.

January 19, 2024

Illustration of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure using a Watchman device. Image courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine. #LAA #LAAO

ICE-guided Watchman procedures linked to safety concerns—is TEE better for LAAO or will things improve?

TEE and ICE are each associated with certain advantages and disadvantages, researchers explained. The new analysis included data from nearly 40,000 patients.

January 19, 2024

money business cash flow dollar. Kingsway Financial Services, a Chicago-based holding company with subsidiaries in several industries, has acquired New Jersey-based Digital Diagnostics Imaging (DDI) for $11 million. The transaction was funded with $5.4 million in cash and $5.6 million in debt financing.

Integer acquires medical device specialists with experience in structural heart, electrophysiology for $140M

Integer's estimated 2023 sales nearly reached $1.6 billion, up 16% compared to 2022. According to the company's statement, this acquisition helps expand its footprint in several key markets.

January 17, 2024

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Electrophysiology

American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life

FDA grants fast track designation to new drug for Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy

Cardiologist-approved VR for interventional procedures headed to ACC.24

Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

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