Once again, dabigatran led the pack in an analysis of drug safety problems directly reported to the FDA, with warfarin taking second place. Quarter Watch Report claimed risks associated with anticoagulants make them “one of the most dangerous of all outpatient drug treatments.”

Using radial access for PCI or coronary angiography does not increase a patient’s risk of higher radiation exposure, according to a study published in the October issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. But some clinical factors may.

The FDA approved macitentan as a treatment for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Gregg W. Stone, MD, co-director of the division of medical research and education at the Cardiovascular Research Foundation and a professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical School, both in New York City, discussed the upcoming Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference with Cardiovascular Business.

There are numerous medication therapy strategies along the continuum of managing heart failure (HF), and the authors of a review article published online Oct. 10 in The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefits argued that these various medication therapies need to be coordinated in a way that allows for continuity of care through each stage of treatment.

The FDA is warning physicians that heart tissue surrounding the St. Jude Medical Amplatzer atrial septal occluder can erode. That can lead to life-threatening emergencies that require immediate surgery, according to the FDA.

Cleveland Clinic today announced its eighth annual list of Top 10 Medical Innovations that will have a major impact on improving patient care within the next year. The list includes a bionic eye, a neurostimulator for epilepsy and fecal transplantation.

An advisory committee for the FDA voted 9-2 against recommending approval of an expanded indication for Vascepa, a patented omega-3 fatty acid product.