Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

‘A new alternative’: Tiny pacemakers for infants show early promise
A team of pediatric specialists worked closely with representative from Medtronic to develop the new pacemakers. Overall, the tiny devices—approximately one-quarter the size of a traditional pacemaker—were found to be both safe and effective. They are still under development.
FDA announces catheter recall for Johnson & Johnson PFA system due to stroke risk
The recall comes after approximately 3% of patients treated with the device during the early stages of its U.S. rollout experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack following surgery. The expected stroke rate is closer to 1%, the FDA explained.
Wearable heart device company to go public, raise up to $155M
Kestra Medical Technologies, known for its wearable heart monitors and defibrillators, intends to sell 10 million common shares priced somewhere between $14 and $16 per share.
FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary
These safety issues have been linked to more than 800 injuries and two deaths. It is possible, the FDA warned, that some patients may require a device to be removed and replaced.
Johnson & Johnson resumes PFA rollout after stopping to review safety concerns
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has resumed the U.S. rollout of its Varipulse PFA system, sharing new warnings to help physicians.

Texas hospital develops center for treatment of heart rhythm disorders

St. David’s HealthCare, along with Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, hasdeveloped the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’sMedical Center in Austin.

Growing Stronger: EP Labs Come into Their Own

As cardiology evolves, one crucial subspecialty may be growing in demand far beyond the industry’s present ability to provide highly trained, dedicated technicians: electrophysiology.

First Year Report Card: Inside the ICD National Registry

As the quest for more data in cardiac care grows with its link to reimbursement and quality of care measures, the number of national registries is sure to blossom. Last year, at the urging of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the National ICD Registry was developed through a partnership of the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

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Heart Rhythm

‘A new alternative’: Tiny pacemakers for infants show early promise

FDA announces catheter recall for Johnson & Johnson PFA system due to stroke risk

Wearable heart device company to go public, raise up to $155M

FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary

Johnson & Johnson resumes PFA rollout after stopping to review safety concerns

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