American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, discussed why the ACC and other leading cardiology groups are so eager to create a new, independent medical board. This has been a long-term goal for many years, he said, and now it may become a reality. 

"We know that the cardiovascular community is ready for an independent, self-governed entity, and we are proud to develop this new board with cardiologists and cardiology organizations at the helm," ACC President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, said in a statement.

New research in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions explored the potential of performing EP studies before and after valve deployment. TAVR operators handled all catheter manipulations, and EP specialists were on hand to capture the necessary measurements. 

Interventional cardiologists with Henry Ford Health performed the historic procedure on an 85-year-old patient who had been experiencing worsening symptoms for a full year.

“Our results beg the question of whether pre-TAVR baseline coronary angiography is even necessary,” researchers wrote in the American Journal of Cardiology.

The new device, the first of its kind to gain FDA approval, was designed for patients who have no other endovascular or surgical options available to them.

According to a loving tribute from Methodist Health System, Matthew Latacha, MD, was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.” The incident is still under investigation. 

Some heart teams may only target the culprit lesions when treating older patients, but new research confirms this increases the risk of several unfavorable outcomes.