Using drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) in the long infrapopliteal arteries could be a safe and effective approach, according to a study published Aug. 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. German researchers reported that the restenosis rate at three months decreased more than 60 percent when compared with use of uncoated balloons in this area. However, an accompanying editorial urged that these positive findings are still in their infancy and that more clinical trials will be necessary to prove their worth.

BOSTONTurf and training issues may create tension between pediatric cardiologists and interventionalists, raising the question: Should pediatric cardiologists treat adult congenital heart disease (CHD) patients? A debate on July 27 at this years Pediatric and Adult Interventional Cardiac Symposium (PICS-AICS) ultimately concluded that the ideal situation could be a joint partnership between the pediatric cardiologist and interventionalist in the cath lab.

An analysis of randomized trials that evaluated outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) revealed several differences in ascertainment of MI and operator experience between studies that took place in the U.S. and Europe. William A. Gray, of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, said that these differences may explain the worse outcomes seen in European studies and that these results provide a cautionary perspective regarding studying early phase technology before it has had a chance to fully evolve.

Recurrent stroke and vascular event rates have declined substantially over the last five decades, with improved blood pressure control and more frequent use of antiplatelet therapy as the leading causes, according to a meta-analysis published May 17 in Circulation.

A Covidien plant in Argyle, N.Y., specializing in producing vascular products, as well as some respiratory and monitoring solution products, will close its doors in 12 to 18 months and move production to locations outside the country, according to a spokesperson from the company.

Spectranetics has appointed Scott Drake as president and CEO, effective Aug. 10.

Three Arizona State University (ASU) bioengineers pursuing methods to treat cardiovascular health challenges have earned grants from the American Heart Association, totaling more than $130,000 over two years.

To offset recent data that have shown that minority patients do not receive the same quality of care as whites, a study published this month's Ethnicity & Disease showed that an increasing number of minority stroke patients are now receiving care at top-ranked hospitals.