In a meta-analysis of 16 recent studies of patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, researchers found that the condition heralds a significantly higher risk of total cardiovascular events, MI, cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Patients hospitalized for medical reasons who are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) rarely receive either pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic prophylactic treatment to prevent the condition.

Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta appears to offer good protection from aortic-related mortality in patients with aneurysm or dissection, according to a study published Jan. 1 in Circulation. But the high rate of nonaortic-related deaths suggests that more attention needs to be paid to modifiable risk factors in aneurysm patients, according to researchers, while the authors of an accompanying editorial questioned whether aneurysm patients should be treated in the first place.

Medical advances are announced at breakneck speed, many heralded as the greatest breakthrough since antibiotics or anesthesia. Although most don’t live up to the hype, some find a valuable if limited role in the clinician’s arsenal. Renal sympathetic denervation may prove to be one of those.

Covidien has signed a definitive agreement to acquire CV Ingenuity, a company that provides technologies to relieve vascular obstructions, inhibit restenosis and allow natural vessel healing in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Avinger, a medical device manufacturer of imaging catheters for crossing chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in patients with peripheral artery disease, has received FDA clearance to market Ocelot | PIXL in the U.S.

Health Canada has approved Covidien's Solitaire FR revascularization device, which is used to restore blood flow to the brain in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Not so, at least when it comes to cardiac care. Recent research and practice point to the kidneys as a pathway for treating cardiovascular diseases. Using a renal denervation technique, specialists have been able to lower blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. And they aren’t stopping there.