In addition, researchers noted, five-year mortality was inferior for patients on Medicaid when compared to patients with any other type of insurance. 

The historic LVAD implant was performed on a 35-year-old patient with advanced heart failure. His symptoms included kidney and lung deterioration.

It looked like the wildfires in Los Angeles could force STS to cancel its annual meeting, but the group worked with city officials and was able to carry on as planned. STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, discussed that difficult decision and previewed the three-day event in a new interview.

Excessive stress may still be harmful to a surgeon's performance, researchers warned, but moderate stress early on during a procedure appears to reduce the odds of a major complication. 

"TAVR has been associated with better valve hemodynamics and a lower risk of structural valve deterioration over time compared with SAVR," researchers wrote. "This benefit may be particularly relevant for diabetes patients who face higher risks of vascular complications."

Maquet Cardiovascular, a subsidiary of Getinge, is recalling two of its endoscopic vessel harvesting devices due to issues with different pieces bending, peeling or detaching during use. Some of the company's other EVH devices were recently involved in a separate recall for similar reasons. 

The center's 2024 total of 174 heart transplants represents an increase of 36% compared to 2023, and 10 of the patients receiving a new heart were young children. 

Robotic-assisted mitral valve repair is associated with short-term outcomes comparable to conventional surgery, according to a new analysis of more than 40,000 patients. Robotic treatment also helps patients spend less time in the hospital, but the costs are much higher.