Leaders from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions have shared their vision for a new, independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Less than two months after an FDA advisory panel voted in favor of approval, the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair system can now be sold and marketed in the United States.

Only orthopedic surgeons and neurologists/psychiatrists received more industry payments from 2013 to 2022 than cardiologists. Also, the two prescription medications associated with the most physician payments were a blood thinner and an anticoagulant. 

The Evolut FX+ TAVR system includes an updated diamond-shaped frame, which was made four times larger than previous models to offer improved coronary access. It was also designed to provide more space for operators to guide and maneuver the catheter during procedures.

Cardiologists now have two more tools to help them combat PAH, a rare vascular condition that often leads to heart failure.

Members of Congress are now asking the FDA to investigate a parent's claim that her 14-year-old son was treated with an experimental heart valve without proper consent. The valve eventually failed and had to be replaced. The hospital has said its heart team did nothing wrong. 

The company already received CE mark approval for its new PFA offering and hopes it will soon be approved for sale in the United States.

The news represents a meaningful policy shift for CMS. In the past, Medicare prescription drug plans have not covered medications designed to help patients lose weight.