As the 23rd annual scientific symposium of the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) meeting kicks off Nov. 7, in San Francisco, attendees can expect the hubbub to center on transcatheter valve therapies, stent compression and drug-eluting balloons. Gregg W. Stone, MD, highlighted some of the hot topics that will be featured at this years meeting.

Annually, an estimated 295,000 people in the U.S. experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and only 6 to 10 percent survive (Circ 2011;123:e18-e209). Another 200,000 hospitalized patients suffer cardiac arrest each year, with only 25 percent surviving to discharge (Crit Care Med 2011, online). These overall survival statistics have seemed mired in the low digits for decades. But strengthening the American Heart Association (AHA) Emergency Cardiovascular Cares chain of survival may lead to improvements in outcomes for both out-of-hospital and inpatient cardiac arrest victims.

In late 2009, Aspirus Heart & Vascular Institute in Wausau, Wis., was inspired to develop a dedicated heart valve center, in conjunction with a Valve Clinic, by both clinical and economic motivations. Since that time, the provider has seen an increase in referrals for surgical valve candidates, while also building in-house expertise of the complex disease states.

Evidence published earlier this year found that angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), a drug class commonly prescribed to treat hypertension and sometimes cardiovascular events, may have the potential to increase the rates of new cancers by 8 to 11 percent. Here, the experts face off, arguing about whether ARBs are an effective drug class or whether this excess risk of cancer should cause concern.

Transformational technologies bring with them challenges and opportunities. Upon development and introduction of these technologies, new strategies become available for treating a wider range of patients. Some of the biggest challenges are: what to compare it with; how to reimburse for it; how to train to utilize it; and how to integrate it into the practice of cardiovascular care.

Physicians consulting for large pharmaceutical firms are paid more in the U.S. compared with Europe, according to the report, Determining European KOL Compensation: Fair-Market Value Benchmarks, released by Cutting Edge Information. In comparison, physicians in Europe receive on average 178 (approximately $245 U.S.) per hour, while those in the U.S. receive on average $283 for their consulting efforts.

Merck has announced that Richard T. Clark, chairman, will retire from the company and the Merck board of directors effective Dec. 1.

The FDA has given a nod of approval for the combination drug Juvisync (sitagliptin and simvastatin, Merck), which is indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.