Clinical

This channel newsfeed includes clinical content on treating patients or the clinical implications in a variety of cardiac subspecialties and disease states. The channel includes news on cardiac surgery, interventional cardiologyheart failure, electrophysiologyhypertension, structural heart disease, use of pharmaceuticals, and COVID-19.   

pediatric patient young patient child chlidren kid

FDA approves fast-acting heart drug for children

Landiolol, sold under the brand name Rapiblyk, is only meant to be administered in a hospital setting. It was initially approved for adult patients in 2024.

One of the big late-breaking trials presented at the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions was the CHAMPION-AF, which showed left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) can offer a safe, non-drug alternative to anticoagulation therapy, even in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not at high risk for bleeding. First author of the study Shephal Doshi, MD, FACC, an electrophysiologist at Cedars Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, discussed the details of the trial. #LAAO #ACC #ACC26

New data point to LAAO as a safe alternative to long-term drug therapy

At the end of the day, one electrophysiologist explained, these decisions should still be made on a case-by-case basis.

handwashing

To optimize infection-control practices, know your providers’ priorities

Demonstrated cost-effectiveness is a highly motivating factor in getting healthcare workers to adopt measures for preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections.

Mayo clinic surgery workers

Workers across UC Health set to strike in May

Issues in dispute between the University of California and AFSCME Local 3299 include wage increases, insurance costs and access to housing programs. Union officials claim members are experiencing high rates of homelessness, fueled by rising cost of living in California.

heart drugs with stethoscope

Long-term antidepressant use may increase risk of sudden cardiac death

The risk appears to be greatest when patients are still actively taking antidepressants. Researchers noted that many more studies on this topic are still necessary.

Robocath acquired by Stereotaxis

Stereotaxis to acquire robotic PCI company Robocath for up to $45M

The deal includes an upfront payment of $20 million. Stereotaxis could pay up to an additional $25 million if certain regulatory and commercial milestones are met.

overweight patient seeking health advice

FDA links weight loss pill to ‘unexpected’ cardiovascular risks

The once-daily pill received FDA approval on April 1. However, the agency has requested additional data on multiple potential side effects. 

Heart cardiologists doctors surgery

PFA associated with heightened stroke risk

PFA is still quite safe overall. However, new data out of EHRA 2026 suggest cardiologists have much to learn about minimizing risk during treatment.