Medtronic, Inc. today announced CE (Conformité Européene) Mark for the 23 mm CoreValve Evolut(TM) R System for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The novel, self-expanding valve and 14FR equivalent delivery system offers new capabilities that  advance valve performance and deliverability during the procedure, while providing the option to recapture (re-sheath the valve back into the catheter) and reposition (move the valve to a new position either above or below its current placement) the valve during deployment phase, if needed.

Beta-blockers appeared to offer no or little clinical benefit to patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation in a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting and concurrently published online Sept. 2 in The Lancet.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced results from a new post-hoc sub-analysis of the pivotal phase III RE-LY trial assessing renal function change in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) compared to warfarin. The findings suggest that patients treated with PRADAXA experienced a slower decline in kidney function compared to those being treated with warfarin, with the slower decline most marked in patients treated with PRADAXA who had mild kidney impairment at the start of the RE-LY trial. The results were presented today during the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2014.

The FDA approved two types of devices for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) after determining they were better than standard therapy for inoperable patients and an alternative to open surgery in high-risk patients. Nonetheless, this generally elderly patient population poses challenges and there are still potential missteps that could derail TAVR. Patient selection tools, 3D imaging and other approaches may minimize the likelihood of complications and poor outcomes occurring.

Germany's ground-breaking use of CT scanners in ambulances to assess for possible stroke inspired one program in Houston to follow suit. Supporters predict it will transform care in the future. 

Overall periprocedural death and stroke rates have declined in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). 

Daiichi Sankyo and the Heart Rhythm Society today announced results from a global survey, which polled cardiologists from around the world and revealed that a majority (58%) of cardiologists agree that there is no such thing as a “typical” non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patient.

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited today announced data from a subgroup analysis of the phase 3 ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 study, that explores the relationship between edoxaban dose, concentration and anti-factor Xa activity in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The analysis also compared rates of major bleeding and efficacy outcomes [stroke and systemic embolic events (SEE)] of edoxaban versus warfarin, stratified by dose reduction status.