A retrospective analysis of patients given recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) to treat mild stroke found that while mortality was low, approximately 30 percent could not move about without help or go directly home.

The 2015 International Stroke Conference announced its lineup of late-breaking clinical trials. The conference runs Feb. 11-13 in Nashville, Tenn.

Foreign material found in emboli and histological samples of cardiac tissue may be a sign that hydrophilic guidewire coating detaches more frequently than previously reported. The study published in the February issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions suggested that embolized guidewire coating may put patients at greater risk for complications. 

The FDA approved a transcatheter artificial heart valve for sale in the U.S. This applies to both Medtronic's Melody Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve and its delivery catheter, the Ensemble Transcatheter Valve Delivery System.

Heart failure is one of the most expensive diseases in the U.S., with many boomerang patients and a stinging financial penalty from Medicare for hospitals with higher than expected 30-day readmissions. It doesn’t need to be that way.

The FDA approved St. Jude Medical’s FlexAbility Ablation Catheter for use in the U.S. This follows on the heels of last year’s CE mark approval of the device. 

Putting a stop to boomerang heart failure readmissions may require a sympathetic ear in the emergency department (ED). One pilot test has shown that it is possible to identify patients’ barriers to self-care, even in a busy ED setting.

To celebrate 50 years of research, the British Heart Foundation held a photography competition, showcasing biological imaging. The top prize and five finalists were announced Jan. 27.