Many Americans have never heard of peripheral artery disease or other common vascular conditions. In fact, a vast majority are not sure what vascular surgeons do.

Cardiovascular devices are more likely to be in a Class I recall than any other device type. The FDA's approval process appears to be at least partially responsible, though the agency is working to make some serious changes. We spoke to a researcher who has been tracking these data for years to learn more. 

Baroreflex activation therapy with the Barostim device from CVRx has received new CPT codes from the American Medical Association. The codes go into effect in January 2026.

The premixed embolic agent is designed to embolize hypervascular tumors and occlude blood flow in a patient's peripheral blood vessels. It was recalled in April due to safety concerns.

STS designed these new mobile-friendly resources with updated data and modern surgical techniques in mind.

Device-based therapies can provide considerable value for heart failure patients when used alongside traditional pharmaceutical treatments. A new HFSA scientific statement outlines the benefits of these devices, urging care teams to implement them into daily practice. 

"We are failing to rescue women after high-risk surgery," one researcher said after reviewing years of Medicare data. 

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.