Clinical Research

Boston Scientific said it initiated the AGENT DCB STANCE trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) compared to the standard of care using either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and/or balloon angioplasty. The trial will enroll more than 1,600 patients and is expected to a primary completion date in 2028.

Boston Scientific launches study comparing drug-coated balloons to standard care

"This important study will evaluate the potential benefits of the AGENT DCB for patients with certain anatomical features in de novo coronary lesions, where the avoidance of stents is preferable to help circumvent potential complications,” said Janar Sathananthan, MD, chief medical officer, interventional cardiology therapies, Boston Scientific. 

New MRI findings may explain why some amputees struggle with phantom pain

New research refutes the notion that parts of the brain controlling specific extremities remap themselves following amputation, which would prevent patients from feeling pain associated with the removed appendage. 

The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in premature infants. Photo courtesy of Abbott.

SCAI details best practices for PDA closure in premature infants

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure has been a mainstay in congenital interventional cardiology for decades, but changes in the standard of care have resulted in catheter-based treatments overtaking surgical procedures. 

cat feline kitty meow meow

Cats and humans with dementia experience similar brain changes, study finds

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that cats with dementia, like humans, have protein buildup in synapses that impacts cognitive function and memory.

cardiologists going through the certification process

Hemodynamic deterioration 1 year after TAVR found in 6% of patients

Hemodynamic valve deterioration after one year was more common in patients with a small aortic annulus. In fact, receiving a larger valve was linked to a “protective” quality that appeared to help keep the risk of such complications to a minimum.

Thumbnail

Gene discovery highlights connection between the kidneys and cardiovascular disease

“Our findings reveal how changes in cell metabolism and increased oxidative stress can activate damaging pathways in blood vessels," explained Xiaofeng Yang, MD, a researcher at Temple University.

Seth Baum, MD, FACC, FACPM, FAHA, FNLA, FASPC, Chairman of the Board for the Family Heart Foundation, past president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology, clinical affiliate professor of biomedical science at Florida Atlantic University, and chief medical officer of Flourish Research, explains why testing for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated Lipoprotein(a) could be critical to identify more patients with elevated risk of cardiac events, but have their LDL well controlled.

Lipoprotein(a) tests could transform patient care—is it time for universal screening?

"Lp(a) represents the most important potential potential paradigm shift in cardiovascular disease prevention that we'll experience over the next five to 10 years," Seth Baum, MD, explained in a new interview.

Video interview with Jaffar Khan, MD, St. Francis Heart Center, explaining tests using IVL in mitral annular calcification (MAC).

Can IVL help cardiologists treat mitral valve disease?

Jaffar Khan, MD, explained his team's work using intravascular lithotripsy balloons in a cadaver heart to break up mitral annular calcification.