Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies.

Cardiologist details the many health disparities he encounters in rural Mississippi
Foluso Fakorede, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, says these issues are typically overlooked in today's healthcare environment.
‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use
U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?
FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries
The bioresorbable stent, examined at length for the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, stays in place for up to three years before completely dissolving.
Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.
FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots
The new-look catheter came out of a medical device incubator started by entrepreneur Eitan Konstantino, PhD, who has years of experience in the vascular space.

HeartFlow’s AI-powered CAD offering receives new CPT code with improved reimbursement rate

For this update to be finalized, the American Medical Association had to determine FFR_CTAnalysis met certain requirements in terms of its overall impact on patient care. John Farquhar, CEO of HeartFlow, described the news as "a win for everyone involved, most notably patients."

January 24, 2024

Pi-Cardia ShortCut TAVR device. According to Pi-Cardia, ShortCut is the first medical device of its kind; interventional cardiologists use it to split valve leaflets in patients who have been recommended for valve-in-valve TAVR and face a heightened coronary obstruction risk.

FDA grants new valve-in-valve TAVR offering its breakthrough device designation

The new device was designed to help clinicians perform valve-in-valve TAVR on certain high-risk patients. One cardiologist familiar with the technology said it could be easily added to any preexisting TAVR workflow.

January 23, 2024

Heart specialists push for change due to rising number of CVD deaths

"It’s clear to me that urgent intervention is long overdue," one cardiologist said in a statement.

January 22, 2024

Medicare money payment reimbursement dollar decline. More than 100 U.S. medical societies are throwing their support behind a new proposal that could reform out-of-date Medicare policies and help limit future payment cuts.

Cardiologists speak out about reimbursement cuts, say Congress ‘left clinicians holding the bag’

When Congress passed its latest continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, it provided no relief for cardiologists and other physicians impacted by ongoing Medicare reimbursement cuts. The American College of Cardiology responded to this development with yet another plea for change.

January 22, 2024

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Fasting before cardiac catheterization may not be necessary—recommend a heart-healthy diet instead

“Patients can safely continue oral intake until the time of the procedure, improving their satisfaction and comfort without adverse events,” researchers wrote.

January 11, 2024

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Are GLP-1 agonists safe? FDA finds no evidence popular weight loss medications cause suicidal thoughts or actions

The popular drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are being used more and more in the United States to help obese and overweight patients lose weight.

January 11, 2024

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

January 9, 2024

The Medtronic Micra leadless pacemaker implanted inside the heart. It is about the size of a large vitamin pill and is implanted using a catheter.

Medtronic receives CE mark approval for next-generation leadless pacemakers

The two devices, already approved by the FDA, were designed with batteries expected to last more than 15 years.

January 5, 2024

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Policy & Regulations

Cardiologist details the many health disparities he encounters in rural Mississippi

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

FDA approves Abbott’s resorbable stent for BTK arteries

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

FDA clears new catheter for peripheral blood clots

Around the web