Buoyed by its acquisition of Covidien, Medtronic’s revenue increased 6 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and increased 7 percent for the fiscal year on a comparable, constant currency basis, the company announced on May 31.

Five electrophysiologists joined Cardiovascular Business editorial advisor Matthew R. Reynolds, MD, SM, for a discussion about how they will deliver quality care to a growing number of atrial fibrillation patients even as the U.S. healthcare system turns its focus from volume to value.

A year after Medicare issued comparative billing reports detailing transthoracic echocardiography usage, the physicians who received the reports still may have cause for concern.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals announced on May 16 that it would reduce the price of two heart drugs by as much as 40 percent. The program will decrease the price of Nitropress and Isuprel, two of Valeant’s medications. 

For the first quarter of 2016, Endologix, Inc.’s revenue increased 16 percent to $42.4 million compared with the same period last year. The company also reported a net loss of $47.7 million for the quarter and a negative adjusted EBITDA of $14.1 million.

Edwards Lifesciences will host its annual meeting for shareholders on May 12.

Chiesi USA, Inc. agreed to acquire three cardiovascular medications from The Medicines Company on May 9 for up to $792 million. The Medicines Company plans on selling clevidipine (Cleviprex), cangrelor (Kengreal) and its rights to argatroban.

Medtronic hired Karen L. Parkhill as the company’s chief financial officer (CFO) on May 4. She will also serve on Medtronic’s executive committee and report to CEO Omar Ishrak.