The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) elected Joseph E. Bavaria, MD, as president on Jan. 25 during its annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.

A database analysis of published studies found that adults between 40 and 70 years old had similar survival rates whether they received mechanical or stented bioprosthetic valves for aortic valve replacement. Although mechanical valves were associated with fewer reoperations, bioprosthetic valves were associated with fewer thromboembolic events and major bleeding events.

For patients undergoing CABG, perioperative statin therapy may lead to improvements in systematic inflammatory response and reductions in the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation and perioperative mortality, according to a review of published literature. However, the use of statins was lower than the researchers expected.

The FDA approved an investigational device exemption study evaluating the Sapien 3 valve in elderly patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at low risk for mortality.

Cardiolgists in Florida believe the state is putting children with heart defects at risk after changing a policy following Tenet Healthcare’s $200,000 contribution to Republicans in the state, CNN reports. 

With more cancer patients being exposed to radiation and chemotherapy and potential cardiovascular complications, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) released an expert consensus statement on the cardiac catheterization of cancer patients.

Making the change to structured reporting in the cath lab is not easy, simple, fast or fun. But it can be done, according to interventional cardiologists who have taken the challenge and succeeded.

The FDA approved the Perceval sutureless heart valve on Jan. 8. LivaNova PLC, the device’s manufacturer, announced the approval in a news release.