When patients with pacemakers die, what happens to the device? Typically, it ends up being discarded and forgotten—they were designed to be single-use devices, after all—but that does not have to be the case.

By focusing more on inflammation, cardiologists can ensure they are identifying patients who need help before it's too late.

Friends, colleagues and professional societies have all shared loving tributes to the veteran electrophysiologist, who died at the age of 69. 

However, the popular anti-inflammatory drug was linked to at least one other clinical benefit cardiologists should know about. 

“Patients can safely continue oral intake until the time of the procedure, improving their satisfaction and comfort without adverse events,” researchers wrote.

Improving care for patients with cardiac amyloidosis has emerged as one of the hottest topics in cardiology. Pfizer helped kickstart that trend in 2019 when it gained FDA approval for two separate medications for the rare, but potentially fatal disease. 

Researchers in India performed TAVR on two relatively young patients with a preexisting mechanical mitral valve, sharing their experience in a new case report. The group highlighted the importance of planning ahead.

Anne Kroman, DO, PhD, noted that early, aggressive treatment is critical when EP leads need to be removed.