The FDA approved two types of devices for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) after determining they were better than standard therapy for inoperable patients and an alternative to open surgery in high-risk patients. Nonetheless, this generally elderly patient population poses challenges and there are still potential missteps that could derail TAVR. Patient selection tools, 3D imaging and other approaches may minimize the likelihood of complications and poor outcomes occurring.

Direct Flow Medical, Inc., a transcatheter heart valve innovator focused on improving patient outcomes, today announced it has received the CE Mark (Conformité Européenne) for a 23mm sized valve as part of its Direct Flow Medical Transcatheter Aortic Valve System, expanding the patient population that can be treated with its technology. The company also announced receipt of the CE Mark for implantation of all of its valves without the use of contrast media, protecting patients from kidney injury during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

It appears that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may compromise on reimbursement for MitraClip implantations. If so, you probably have your colleagues and societies to thank for it.

Torrance Memorial Medical Center and USC's Keck School of Medicine have announced an affiliation to expand heart surgery services at the medical center in Torrance.

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has received CE Mark and begun the European commercial launch of its new 25 mm Lotus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) System, complementing the currently available 23 mm and 27 mm valve sizes.

A meta-analysis of predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) reinforced findings that patients treated with the CoreValve device were at increased risk compared with patients receiving the Sapien device. The predictors may help physicians avoid atrioventricular block-related complications, regardless of device type.

Frank F. Ing, MD, FAAP, FACC, FSCAI, associate chief of Cardiology and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has taken on two new roles at CHLA: chief of the Division of Cardiology and co-director of the Heart Institute. Ing replaces Michael Silka, MD, who filled both positions for more than 15 years. Ing assumed his new responsibilities as of July 1.

Patients with baseline stenosis or small surgical valves who undergo transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic devices have lower survival rates than the overall patient population, according to a study published in the July 9 issue of JAMA.