BOSTON—Patients with the Iforia ProMRI implantable cardiac device (ICD) system had no adverse outcomes related to the device and no significant changes to pacing or sensing parameters after undergoing a thoracic spine or cardiac MRI, according to a multicenter, nonrandomized trial.

BOSTON—Patients with heart failure who failed standard, optimal cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) approaches had significant improvements in clinical outcomes after receiving a novel device that provided endocardial left ventricular stimulation.

Patients who were more fully informed about angiography and the possibility of PCI were more likely to decide against it, a study published online May 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine found. Overall, the cardiologist-patient discussions were short and incomplete.

BOSTON—After a mean follow-up of 7.5 years, electrical failure occurred in 5.9 percent of patients using the Riata lead, according to a prospective, observational study of the Riata leads under advisory in Canada. In addition, 7.4 percent of patients had electrical failure or cable externalization.

BOSTON—A novel approach known as baroreflex activation therapy led to a 30 percent improvement in New York Heart Association  classification and an increase in quality of life among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction who had failed previous therapies.

BOSTON—Patients with atrial fibrillation underestimated the risk of stroke but wanted to work with their physicians and caregivers to better manage their disease, according to a survey released on May 13 from the Heart Rhythm Society and the National Stroke Association.

Awards presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2015 Scientific Sessions in San Diego recognize outstanding SCAI members for their ongoing contributions to the field of interventional cardiology, the Society and patient care. Honorees span a broad spectrum of practitioners, all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout their careers, helping to shape the Society as well as the lives of patients and mentees.

A new guide helps healthcare professionals better understand and diagnose strokes of unknown cause. The free resource is part of an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association initiative in collaboration with Medtronic plc which aims to reduce the rate of recurrent strokes in the U.S.