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.

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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.

Hospital leverages radiology waiting areas to boost cancer screening rates

Boston Medical Center has sought to have patients self-identify for lung cancer screening, administering multilingual surveys while they wait for imaging appointments.

North Carolina imaging group hires veteran nurse leader as CEO

Diagnostic Radiology & Imaging—formerly Greensboro Imaging—has selected former Raleigh Radiology CEO Frank Manole, DNP, MBA, to fill the key role.

In brief: Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ | Nat’l healthcare spending | Working families and healthcare affordability

President Trump’s outline is largely an exercise in thinking out loud since it can’t propel anything consequential without legislative action in Congress. Still, the plan—and the reactions it’s eliciting—warrant a look.

UnitedHealthcare launches rural Medicare Advantage pilot to cut reimbursement delays 50%

The insurer is planning to reduce reimbursement timelines for hospitals in Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota and Missouri from 30 days to 15. The details are unclear, but the company said the framework could extend nationwide.

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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.