Surgeons using a nonsternotomy approach to replace continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) found patients had better survival, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Anticoagulation therapy may have a greater benefit to patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease than risk. However, balancing the two may be about finding the right course of treatment for the right duration.

Before you cross that bridge, consider: A fresh look at the data from ORBIT-AF suggests that bridging oral anticoagulation instead of temporary cessation for a procedure may put patients at greater risk for bleeding or adverse events.

Some things don’t make decisions easier: PCI may be more cost-effective, but CABG has fewer long-term major adverse events, according to a study published in the Dec. 1 issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.

A recent analysis of Optim-insulated leads for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) reported reassuring results. The study also highlights shortcomings—not with devices, but with people.

Medtronic  today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and commercial launch of two additional Attain Performa left ventricular (LV) quadripolar leads, which can be paired with the Medtronic Viva Quad XT and Viva Quad S cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D) to treat patients with heart failure. The newest additions to the Attain Performa lead portfolio, the S-shape and Straight leads, are designed to accommodate patients' varying vessel sizes and curvatures to enhance successful lead placement. Quadripolar leads (leads with four electrodes) help physicians optimize cardiac resynchronization therapy, which uses an implantable device to improve the pumping efficiency of the heart.

One more reason to tell patients to watch the waistline this holiday season: Research indicates that higher waist-to-hip ratio may result in increased risk for sudden cardiac death.

What, if anything, went wrong in the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial will probably remain up for debate, but a post hoc analysis may help to keep subsequent trials on the right path.