Vascular & Endovascular

This channel includes news on non-coronary vascular disease and therapies. These include peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism (PE), critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery and stroke interventions, venous interventions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and interventional radiology therapies. The focus on most of these therapies is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures performed in a cath lab.

$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes
PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFR_CTAnalysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years.
FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death
The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.
Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE
The new device is believed to be the first of its kind, using both aspiration and mechanical clot disruption to remove blood clots.
TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock
TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options.
PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack
PAD and CLI patients who show signs of coronary heart disease may benefit from early treatment, according to a new study of nearly 4 million hospitalizations.

durbin-ama-opioid. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have published new guidelines focused on the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with chronic coronary disease (CCD).

Middle-aged stroke survivors less likely to skip prescribed meds under ACA

More middle-aged stroke survivors are able to afford their preventive medications under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), meaning fewer patients are at an increased risk for cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and diabetes, Reuters reported this week.

August 28, 2018

Rivaroxaban fails to prevent VTE after hospital discharge

For patients hospitalized with an acute illness, prescribing rivaroxaban for 45 days after discharge doesn’t significantly reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or VTE-related death, according to research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

August 27, 2018

Smoking rates have been falling across the board—except for children under 15

Smoking rates have been dropping steadily in Europe since the 1970s, but, according to new research published in PLOS ONE, 11- to 15-year-olds are using tobacco more frequently.

August 24, 2018

AHA pledges $6.5M to overhaul Nebraska’s stroke response system

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association this week pledged $6.5 million to a three-year initiative to improve Nebraska’s stroke response system, the Omaha World-Herald has reported.

August 23, 2018

Just 10 minutes of sitting is enough to impair microvascular function

New research published this month in Experimental Physiology suggests just 10 minutes of sitting or lying down could be enough to impair blood vessel function in the lower legs, but simple movements and foot exercises can work against that strain to restimulate blood flow and circumvent any deleterious effects.

August 23, 2018

Heart health at all ages linked to brain function

Two studies published Aug. 21 in JAMA highlighted the link between heart and brain health. One found older individuals who met fewer metrics for ideal cardiovascular health had an increased risk of dementia, while the other showed that younger adults who didn’t achieve similar standards already had decreased cerebral blood flow and more white matter lesions.

August 23, 2018

Breastfeeding may shrink racial gap in stroke risk

Mothers who breastfed at least one child showed a 23 percent reduced risk of stroke compared to those who never breastfed, according to an observational study published Aug. 22 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

August 22, 2018

Strong fitness in middle age may add 5 years to life

Middle-aged men with the highest cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels live an average of five years longer than peers with age-adjusted CRF in the bottom 5 percent of the population, according to a study with 46 years of follow-up.

August 21, 2018

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Vascular & Endovascular

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack

Around the web