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Heart Rhythm 2026 Program Chair Dhanunjaya "DJ" Lakkireddy, MD, MBA, FHRS, Executive Medical Director, Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, and professor of medicine at the University of Kansas Health System, offers an overview of key trends in electrophysiology (EP) technology.

PFA's dominance and other key electrophysiology trends on display at Heart Rhythm 2026

Heart Rhythm 2026 Program Chair DJ Lakkireddy, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business during the conference about several key EP trends.

Virtual nursing staff may help save cardiology departments from burnout

The idea is started to spread thanks to a new startup focused on providing much-needed relief to cardiologists.

healthcare surprise billing statement payment

Radiologists implore HHS to punish payers who undermine surprise-billing protections

Over 100 specialty societies and state medical associations wrote to Health and Human Services and other departments to voice their growing frustration with the No Surprises Act.

Interventional radiology group inks 2 more practice partnerships with urologists

Founded by interventional radiologist Sandeep Bagla, MD, IR Centers is a platform helping other specialties manage and deliver such services.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Radiology AI vendor Azra acquires rival firm focused on incidental findings

The Nashville, Tennessee, company—which offers AI to monitor radiology reports for unexpected findings—has reached a deal to buy Thynk Health for an undisclosed sum.

6 things the hospital-at-home model needs to scale up nationally

Earlier this year Congress extended CMS’s hospital-at-home waiver for five years via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. With that bold stroke, ‘HaH’ services became eligible for Medicare reimbursement through September of 2030.

Nonprofit physician support program faces lawsuit from two docs who say it irreparably damaged their careers

Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP), a contractor with the state health department, is accused of trapping two physicians into mental health treatment as a condition of maintaining their medical residency jobs. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking class action status.

Michigan has become the 20th state to opt out from federal regulations that require physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The move was made to ensure access to value-based, high-quality care across the state, but it is being opposed by the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA) and several other physician groups. Image from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)

FTC settles antitrust lawsuit against private equity-backed anesthesiology chain

Federal regulators alleged that U.S. Anesthesia Partners—a portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowes—engaged in a “roll-up scheme” in Texas that effectively eliminated the competition. The company denies the allegations, but has agreed to undisclosed terms that would see the lawsuit resolved.

FDA recall medical device recall product recall

Boston Scientific pacemakers recalled again—software update now available

The new Class I recall, which includes more than 1.4 million devices, is related to an issue first announced back in 2024. Updating the software should address the issue going forward, though some patients may still require an early replacement.

Radiation therapist vacancy rates on the decline, new data reveal

New research from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists indicates that radiation therapy staffing shortages might be on the mend.

Cordis acquires MedAlliance, known for its drug-eluting balloon technology, in deal that could surpass $1B

Fewer stents, positive outcomes: Sirolimus-eluting balloons a safe alternative during PCI

Using a DCB that releases sirolimus over an extended period of time appears to be both safe and effective when treating patients who present with NSTEMI or unstable angina.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) have become the wonder drug not only of weight loss, but also for improving cardiovascular health in a growing number of positive cardiovascular trials. The latest study of more than 13,000 patients presented at Heart Rhythm 2026 this week showed the GLP-1 reduce atrial fibrillation (AFib) and survival, even after accounting for the drug’s impact on weight loss.

Multiple GLP-1 drugs linked to lower AFib risk

The popular drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, were also associated with an improved survival rate. Benefits were seen in patients who did and did not lose significant weight as a result of treatment.

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