Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump as much blood as the body requires. This ineffective pumping can lead to enlargement of the heart as the myocardium works harder pump the same amount of blood. Heart failure may be caused by defects in the myocardium, such as an a heart attack infarct, or due to structural issues such as severe heart valve regurgitation. Heart failure can be divided into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The disease is further divided into four New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. Stage IV heart failure is when the heart is completely failing and requires a heart transplant or hemodynamic support from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

CVRx highlights revenue growth in Q4, increased momentum going forward
The company's implantable Barostim device continues to make an impact on patient care. CVRx also shared excitement about the year ahead, pointing to an important new clinical trial.
MRI scans evaluate heart failure risk—no invasive catheterization required
Advanced imaging may be able to help certain heart patients avoid the risks and discomfort associated with right heart catheterizations.
New heart catheter for cell therapy delivery 1 step closer to FDA approval
The BioCardia delivery catheter was designed to be used by interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists or cardiac surgeons. It includes a tiny needle that directly engages with the patient’s cardiac tissue.
FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported
There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.
Heart failure patients on quadruple medical therapy still face considerable risks
Most patients hospitalized for HFrEF are still not being prescribed quadruple medical therapy at discharge. Even those who are, researchers noted, still face a high risk of dying or returning to the hospital for heart failure-related symptoms.

CVRx highlights revenue growth in Q4, increased momentum going forward

The company's implantable Barostim device continues to make an impact on patient care. CVRx also shared excitement about the year ahead, pointing to an important new clinical trial.

Researchers in the U.K. from Newcastle University, University of Leeds, and the University of East Anglia found they could use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T2 intracardiac blood pool data to create imaging-derived SvO2 (iSvO2) noninvasively.

MRI scans evaluate heart failure risk—no invasive catheterization required

Advanced imaging may be able to help certain heart patients avoid the risks and discomfort associated with right heart catheterizations.

New heart catheter for cell therapy delivery 1 step closer to FDA approval

The BioCardia delivery catheter was designed to be used by interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists or cardiac surgeons. It includes a tiny needle that directly engages with the patient’s cardiac tissue.

The Impella RP with SmartAssist. Image courtesy of Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported

There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.

Heart failure patients on quadruple medical therapy still face considerable risks

Most patients hospitalized for HFrEF are still not being prescribed quadruple medical therapy at discharge. Even those who are, researchers noted, still face a high risk of dying or returning to the hospital for heart failure-related symptoms.

CVRx hopes new research will expand access to heart failure therapy

The BENEFIT-HF trial, scheduled to begin enrollment in the months ahead, could significantly increase the number of patients eligible for CVRx's Barostim therapy.

Abbott’s medtech sales climbed in Q4 thanks to strength of heart devices

Abbott pointed to double-digit growth for its Navitor TAVR valve as well as big gains for the TriClip and MitraClip devices. The company also shared positive sales figures for its EP, heart failure and rhythm management portfolios.

New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise

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