Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is most commonly caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction) where blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked. This is usually caused by a blood clot from a ruptured coronary artery atherosclerotic plaque. Other causes include spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which most commonly occurs in women. ACS is usually treated in a cath lab with angioplasty and the placement of a stent to prop the vessel open.

Dragonfly OpStar Imaging Catheter FDA recall May 2022

FDA announces Class I recall of 4,800 imaging catheters due to risk of vascular injury

There have been five reported incidents so far, including one patient injury.

Example of ultrasound-assisted laser arterial plaque removal, which might be developed into a new type of less traumatic atherectomy system.Image courtesy of Rohit Singh.

New atherosclerosis treatment uses ultrasound-assisted lasers to break down plaque

The new technique is still in the development stage, but early research suggests it could provide clinicians with a new treatment option for breaking down arterial plaque. 

How cardiologists can make an impact in the face of anti-abortion laws

“For patients with cardiovascular disease, abortion access is a critical part of their comprehensive cardiovascular and reproductive care,” according to the three authors of a new commentary piece in JAMA Cardiology.

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) Shockwave Medical PCI PAD CAD Disrupt PAD Disrupt CAD SCAI 2022

Intravascular lithotripsy tied to superior long-term PAD, PCI outcomes at SCAI 2022

Two separate sessions presented at SCAI 2022 focused on long-term outcomes associated with Shockwave Medical's IVL technology.

Intermittent fasting helps breast cancer survivors limit their CVD risk

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined how a breast cancer survivor's eating schedule may impact their risk of cardiac events. 

Medtronic’s more deliverable drug-eluting stent gains FDA approval

According to Medtronic, the Onyx Frontier DES features improved catheter flexibility and a lower crossing profile.

CT-FFR before TAVR improves detection of coronary artery disease, limits invasive imaging exams

CT-FFR, which recently got a boost from the 2021 AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines, could play a key role for clinicians hoping to screen TAVR patients for coronary heart disease. 

Flu shots lower CVD risk, new meta-analysis confirms

The study's authors tracked data from six different randomized controlled trials, including a large study from 2021 that focused on myocardial infarction patients.