News

Abbott secures key approval for new catheter capable of PFA, radiofrequency ablation

The TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled was designed to switch from PFA to radiofrequency ablation as needed, providing electrophysiologists with options when treating AFib patients.

Anthony Fletcher, MD, FACC FAHA, FSCAI, president of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), and an interventional cardiologist at CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic Arkansas, Little Rock, explains the results of a recent ABC survey looking at the level of awareness among providers and communities in cardiology care deserts in the South. He said there was a poor level of understanding about LDL-C management and Lp(a) awareness among both primary care providers and patients in these underserved areas.

New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts

Association of Black Cardiologists President Anthony Fletcher, MD, discusses the group's efforts to educate patients in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.

Medical societies, medtech companies and clinicians weigh in as CMS considers sweeping TAVR changes

CMS is considering substantial updates to its TAVR policies, including coverage for asymptomatic patients. Some stakeholders are excited, embracing the possibility of expanded indications and fewer restrictions. Others are concerned that the changes would be too much, too soon.

High-level briefing: Rural healthcare downs & ups | Healthcare affordability in focus | Viruses to watch like a hawk in 2026 | more

Where have the missing rural American hospitals gone? And where is rural healthcare headed? The discussion is on in Washington and elsewhere.

31K Kaiser Permanente employees prepare to strike, citing staffing issues and low pay

The health system said it offered a “historic” 21.5% raise as part of a new contract, but it’s been unable to reach an agreement with union officials. Workers are expected to walk off the job starting Jan. 26.

Medicare Advantage Part C clipboard payment

CMS releases ‘improper payment’ data, showing a small rise for Medicare Advantage

Traditional fee-for-service Medicare saw a slight dip in improper payments, which are usually associated with documentation errors and now outright fraud. CMS also released data on Medicaid and the CHIP program.

Software glitch prompts FDA recall of popular PET systems

The recall was issued due to the potential for the systems to produce artifacts during PET exams.

New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise

Reducing the activity of a specific protein could provide significant relief for many heart failure patients.

Sunil Rao, MD, director, interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization laboratory, NYU Langone Heart, professor, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses the heart team approach in the context to determining what is best for the patient in terms of bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Heart teams playing a major role in coronary revascularization decisions

Sunil Rao, MD, discusses the heart team approach in the context of deciding what is best for the patient between bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Heart failure experts share guidance on increasing prevention efforts

Cardiology has been shifting from reactionary treatment strategies to a greater emphasis on prevention. This is an especially important trend in heart failure, which is associated with high costs and rising hospitalization rates.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

FDA confirms recalls for Abbott CGM sensors—new lawsuit alleges company concealed information

The FDA finalized four Class I recalls related to safety concerns first reported by Abbott in November. Meanwhile, a Florida man who uses these sensors to manage his diabetes has already filed a lawsuit over the issue.

Medicare payment advisors urge Congress to increase radiologist reimbursement

MedPAC, an independent panel of experts that advises lawmakers on payment policy, is endorsing an additional 0.5% update to doc pay, the AMA reports.

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Cardiovascular Business

Abbott secures key approval for new catheter capable of PFA, radiofrequency ablation

The TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled was designed to switch from PFA to radiofrequency ablation as needed, providing electrophysiologists with options when treating AFib patients.