Medtronic, Inc. has received CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark for the TYRX(TM) Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope. This innovative mesh envelope covers an implantable cardiac device to help stabilize the device after implantation and reduce surgical-site infections.

Steady time in therapeutic range is important for optimal care when treating atrial fibrillation patients using warfarin. However, research published online Sept. 2 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes insists that stability, seen through the international normalized ratio, not be overlooked.

The beauty of novel oral anticoagulants is that they come in fixed doses and don’t require monitoring, as warfarin does. Still, some circumstances warrant an assay, and clinicians should be aware of the potential pitfalls.

Can a little heat really mend a broken heart? Patients with atrial fibrillation were found to have a better mortality rate when sinus rhythm was maintained through radiofrequency ablation (RFA) according to a study published in the September issue of Heart Rhythm.

The American Heart Association has made improvements to guideline adherence in the treatment of atrial fibrillation a priority, according to a paper published Sept. 2 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced results from a new post-hoc sub-analysis of the pivotal phase III RE-LY trial assessing renal function change in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) compared to warfarin. The findings suggest that patients treated with PRADAXA experienced a slower decline in kidney function compared to those being treated with warfarin, with the slower decline most marked in patients treated with PRADAXA who had mild kidney impairment at the start of the RE-LY trial. The results were presented today during the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2014.

Daiichi Sankyo and the Heart Rhythm Society today announced results from a global survey, which polled cardiologists from around the world and revealed that a majority (58%) of cardiologists agree that there is no such thing as a “typical” non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patient.

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited today announced data from a subgroup analysis of the phase 3 ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 study, that explores the relationship between edoxaban dose, concentration and anti-factor Xa activity in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The analysis also compared rates of major bleeding and efficacy outcomes [stroke and systemic embolic events (SEE)] of edoxaban versus warfarin, stratified by dose reduction status.