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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Obesity-related deaths on the rise in US—but there is good news for cardiologists

Deaths related to obesity have skyrocketed in the United States, especially among men. However, researchers identified positive progress when it came to the mortality rates for CVD, ischemic heart disease and heart failure/cardiomyopathy.

V-Wave has gained considerable attention or its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and the lungs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Ventura device includes a nitinol hourglass-shaped frame that anchors to the patient’s fossa ovalis in a way that prevents migration or embolization. It is implanted via an interventional procedure with fluoroscopy and echocardiography guidance.

Johnson & Johnson completes V-Wave acquisition

While the initial purchase price was $600 million, the final amount could reach approximately $1.7 billion if certain milestones are met. V-Wave's Ventura Interatrial Shunt System for HFrEF has gained considerable interest in recent years, and Johnson & Johnson was an early investor in the technology back in 2016.

Monitoring acute heart patients at home linked to considerable cost savings

The new report could go on to help guide decisions made by CMS and hospital leadership teams for years to come.

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Following heart failure guidelines could save 1.2 million lives per year

Millions of heart failure patients who qualify for standard medical therapies do not receive treatment due to poor health literacy, limited access to care and medication costs.

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Lawsuit accuses cardiologists, hospital of negligence after failed heart transplant

The suit, which includes multiple accusations of malpractice and dishonest behavior, is just the latest chapter of a story that has been making headlines for years. 

Do cancer treatments increase a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease?

Older cancer survivors appear to face higher risks of stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Early screening and preventative measures can help.

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Rising heart failure, AFib rates a ‘wake-up call’ for US cardiologists

Today's heart teams already face a number of challenges on a day-to-day basis.  New data suggest they could soon be treating more patients than ever before.  

Medtronic has launched VitalFlow, a new all-in-one extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system designed to provide clinicians with a user-friendly experience. According to Medtronic, its goal with the VitalFlow system was to develop a simple, straightforward ECMO device that helps clinicians by making everything as intuitive as possible.

Medtronic launches new all-in-one ECMO system after acquiring longtime partner

According to Medtronic, its goal was to develop a user-friendly ECMO device that makes patient care as intuitive as possible.

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