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.

heart surgery surgeons

Concomitant ablation surgery during heart operations boosts long-term survival

Treating AFib with surgical ablation during mitral valve surgery and other common heart operations can help patients live longer, a new meta-analysis confirmed.

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

Johnson & Johnson MedTech gains FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

Johnson & Johnson is now the third company with an FDA-approved PFA system in its portfolio, joining Medtronic and Boston Scientific. Varipulse previously gained CE mark approval in February. 

merger acquisition M&A business

Boston Scientific agrees to acquire AFib ablation company

Boston Scientific has scooped up Cortex, a healthcare technology company launched by the venture capital firm Ajax Health in 2023, in a move that will expand its EP offerings.

The entrance to the AHA expo and technology floor. #AHA22

American Heart Association announces late-breaking research for Scientific Sessions 2024

The three-day conference begins Saturday, Nov. 16, in Chicago. Topics will include AI, heart failure, patient management and much more. 

Heart Rhythm Society launches new group focused on EP advocacy

The new organization, Heart Rhythm Advocates, will urge federal policymakers to pass legislation and support actions that have a positive impact on the future of electrophysiology.

Medtronic's Affera mapping and ablation system with the Sphere-9 catheter

FDA approves Medtronic’s new all-in-one mapping and ablation system for AFib

Medtronic is now the first company to offer two FDA-approved PFA systems for the treatment of persistent AFib. The company’s PulseSelect PFA system gained approval in December 2023. 

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Farawave Nav ablation catheter for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AFib) and FDA clearance for its new Faraview software

Boston Scientific scores 2 key FDA approvals for PFA mapping technology

The two newly approved technologies are used together to help visualize cardiac ablation procedures performed with Boston Scientific’s Farapulse pulsed field ablation system.

cardiologist salary and compensation data

Cardiologist compensation still rising, especially in invasive and interventional cardiology

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.

Around the web

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?

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.