Cardiac Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery includes coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement, heart transplant, assisting in minimally invasive transcatheter valve structural heart procedures such as TAVR, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, septal myectomy, surgical ablation for arrhythmias, and reconstruction of the heart in congenial heart disease cases. 

FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths

Abbott issued the new recall after receiving more than 80 reports of blood or air entering the LVAD during implant procedures. Customers can still use these devices, but they are advised to follow specific steps to limit the risk of complications. 

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New hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guidelines highlight importance of exercise, new drug class

HCM is widely underdiagnosed, but the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association hope their new guidelines can help cardiologists learn more about the potentially fatal condition and improve patient care. 

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FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible. 

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Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?

Researchers tracked data from more than 400,000 patients for a new meta-analysis, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options. 

First-in-Man Experience of Robotic-Assisted Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair With Pure Echo Guidance

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

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Medicare reimbursement down 29% for cardiologists, 58% for heart surgeons

Physician payments are down slightly across the board, but they've fallen significantly for a handful of specialties. Researchers examined the long-term impact this trend could have on patient care.

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Society of Thoracic Surgeons launches new risk calculators for SAVR after TAVR, other key heart surgeries

STS risk calculators are known as a go-to resource for cardiologists, surgeons and any other healthcare providers who manage the care of heart patients. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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

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