BIOTRONIK, a leading manufacturer of cardio- and endovascular medical technology, announced a significant milestone today in the development of a new therapy era for patients suffering from coronary artery disease. As part of the clinical study BIOSOLVE-II, Prof. Dr. Michael Haude from the Lukaskrankenhaus, Neuss, Germany, successfully implanted the BIOTRONIK DREAMS (DRug Eluting Absorbable Metal Scaffold) in the first patient.

CNN reported that the blockage in former President George W. Bush’s coronary artery was “in the ballpark of 95 percent.” He underwent PCI in August, which at the time was criticized as possibly a case of overuse of stenting.

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) has named Jack Lewin, MD, as its president and CEO. He was also appointed to the board of directors.

An expert panel recommended changing the definition of an MI after coronary revascularization to incorporate what the cardiologists defined as a more clinically relevant MI. “We need to make sure that what we measure makes an impact on clinical outcomes,” lead author Issam D. Moussa, MD, explained in an interview with Cardiovascular Business.

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who use rosuvastatin may lower their risk of post-procedure contrast-induced kidney injury, according to a study published online Oct. 9 in Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Significantly fewer patients who took the statin drug developed CI-AKI compared with patients who did not receive the drug.

The Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary has made a $500,000 donation to benefit cardiovascular services at Greenwich Hospital. The generous gift was made during the Auxiliary’s 63rd annual meeting on Sept. 30.

No other health concern affects more people in Hunterdon County than cardiovascular disease.  It is the County’s leading cause of death and its incidence is on the rise due, in part, to the growing number of area residents between the age of 45 and 64 – a time in life in which the onset of cardiovascular disease is most likely to occur.  Hunterdon Medical Center has begun construction on its new Cardiovascular Center. The expansion will centralize all acute care cardiovascular services.

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center has received Cycle IV Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an international not-for-profit organization that focuses on transforming cardiovascular care by assisting facilities in their effort to create communities of excellence that bring together quality, cost and patient satisfaction.