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).

CVRx Barostim illustration

CMS increases inpatient payment for implantable Barostim device

CVRx has now received improved outpatient and inpatient reimbursements for its implantable heart failure device in the last 12 months. The company's president says these updates will help more patients gain access to the Barostim technology. 

Novartis sues FDA over ‘unlawful’ approval of generic heart failure drug

The drugmaker argues that the FDA's recent approval of a generic version of Entresto should not be allowed for multiple reasons. Novartis sent multiple requests to the agency hoping to stop the approval, but the FDA denied each one. 

tirzepatide injections Zepbound Eli Lilly

Tirzepatide benefits obese HFpEF patients with and without type 2 diabetes

The diabetes drug, sold by Eli Lilly and Company under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro, was associated with better outcomes, improved symptoms and more significant weight loss than a placebo.

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

Bariatric surgery improves heart health, survival in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

A team of Cleveland Clinic specialists tracked data from more than 13,000 patients, focusing on all-cause mortality and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

merger acquisition M&A business

Edwards Lifesciences agrees to acquire JenaValve, Endotronix for $1.2B

While JenaValve is known for its Trilogy Heart Valve System, a device designed specifically to treat aortic regurgitation, Endotronix specializes in developing heart failure technologies. The news comes after Edwards sold its critical care business for $4.2 billion in June, saying it would double down on its structural heart portfolio. 

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Cardiology Funding Roundup: Cardurion, Kestra, TRiCares all secure key investments

Businesses in the cardiovascular health space have been busy in recent weeks, announcing one big financing round after another. 

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

Texas surgeons first in world to perform ‘groundbreaking’ total artificial heart procedure

The BiVACOR technology was designed to serve as a bridge to heart transplant in patients with end-stage heart failure. Based on rotary blood pump technology, it is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.

Restore Medical ContraBand medical device heart failure

FDA grants new heart failure implant its breakthrough device designation

Restore Medical's ContraBand system was designed to address symptoms in HFrEF patients who do not respond to other therapies. 

Around the web

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

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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