Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump as much blood as the body requires. This ineffective pumping can lead to enlargement of the heart as the myocardium works harder pump the same amount of blood. Heart failure may be caused by defects in the myocardium, such as an a heart attack infarct, or due to structural issues such as severe heart valve regurgitation. Heart failure can be divided into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The disease is further divided into four New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. Stage IV heart failure is when the heart is completely failing and requires a heart transplant or hemodynamic support from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

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Medtronic using AI to identify more TAVR patients in need

Medtronic has launched new research into AI's potential to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis and other worrying symptoms. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach individuals who may otherwise go untreated.

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Tirzepatide linked to significant weight loss, ‘impressive’ diabetes prevention after 3 years

The popular diabetes drug, which can also benefit patients with heart failure and sleep apnea, resulted in an average weight loss of 23%. Once treatment stopped, the effects started to fade rather quickly. 

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Most heart failure patients miss out on guideline-recommended palliative care

Palliative care is a recommended part of heart failure management in the U.S., but consultation rates remain low. The trend appears to impact Black patients more than other races and ethnicities. 

CMS updates outpatient reimbursement policy for Barostim device

CMS continues to show confidence in the benefits of baroreflex activation therapy with the Barostim device from CVRx. 

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. 

Impella ECP heart pump insertion Abiomed Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Impella ECP confirmed to be safe for high-risk PCI—is FDA approval next?

The Impella ECP heart pump, which measures at just 3 mm in length, was linked to positive safety data in a new study presented at TCT 2024.

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New Category I CPT codes announced for treating heart failure with implantable Barostim device

Baroreflex activation therapy with the Barostim device from CVRx has received new CPT codes from the American Medical Association. The codes go into effect in January 2026.

Advanced device-based therapies are associated with significant benefits for heart failure patients and should be used alongside traditional pharmaceutical treatments, according to a new scientific statement from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). The statement, published in full in the Journal of Cardiac Failure, examines a number of new-look medical devices that have emerged in recent years as additional ways to treat heart failure.

Cardiologists make case for increasing use of device-based therapies for heart failure

Device-based therapies can provide considerable value for heart failure patients when used alongside traditional pharmaceutical treatments. A new HFSA scientific statement outlines the benefits of these devices, urging care teams to implement them into daily practice. 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

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

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.