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).

New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives
These most recent recalls focus on a series of maintenance issues. In 2024, the FDA advised customers to transition away from the two devices and find alternative treatment options.
The only heart failure treatment of its kind: Learn the latest billing recommendations for Barostim procedures
The Barostim device from CVRx continues to gain momentum as a go-to heart failure treatment. A free webinar is scheduled to examine the device's new CPT codes, which go into effect in 2026.
A common word may be giving heart patients the wrong idea
Cardiologists often use the word “stable” when describing a heart failure patient who is recovering or showing signs of improvement. That word, however, could be giving patients a false sense of security—and it could even do harm to their long-term health.
Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children
The device, currently just a prototype, could be the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.
$V-Wave has gained considerable attention or its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and the lungs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Ventura device includes a nitinol hourglass-shaped frame that anchors to the patient’s fossa ovalis in a way that prevents migration or embolization. It is implanted via an interventional procedure with fluoroscopy and echocardiography guidance.$
FDA panel votes against approving first-of-its-kind heart failure device
All 15 members of the FDA's Circulatory System Devices Panel agreed that more data is required to confirm the new device from Johnson & Johnson MedTech is effective. Will the agency agree with these recommendations? Only time will tell.

New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives

These most recent recalls focus on a series of maintenance issues. In 2024, the FDA advised customers to transition away from the two devices and find alternative treatment options.

The only heart failure treatment of its kind: Learn the latest billing recommendations for Barostim procedures

The Barostim device from CVRx continues to gain momentum as a go-to heart failure treatment. A free webinar is scheduled to examine the device's new CPT codes, which go into effect in 2026.

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A common word may be giving heart patients the wrong idea

Cardiologists often use the word “stable” when describing a heart failure patient who is recovering or showing signs of improvement. That word, however, could be giving patients a false sense of security—and it could even do harm to their long-term health.

Choon-Sik Jhun, MS, PhD, from Penn State

Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children

The device, currently just a prototype, could be the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.

$V-Wave has gained considerable attention or its Ventura Interatrial Shunt System, a small implantable device designed to reduce pressure on the left atrium and the lungs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Ventura device includes a nitinol hourglass-shaped frame that anchors to the patient’s fossa ovalis in a way that prevents migration or embolization. It is implanted via an interventional procedure with fluoroscopy and echocardiography guidance.$

FDA panel votes against approving first-of-its-kind heart failure device

All 15 members of the FDA's Circulatory System Devices Panel agreed that more data is required to confirm the new device from Johnson & Johnson MedTech is effective. Will the agency agree with these recommendations? Only time will tell.

Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’

Hemostemix believes its new cell therapy platform can help treat peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other serious medical conditions. The company plans on scooping up multiple practices to conduct additional research and increase the use of its platform.

‘Beer belly’ associated with multiple heart risks, especially in men

Abdominal obesity, the phenomenon commonly known as “beer belly," may be associated with significant risks, including heart failure. Researchers urged cardiologists and radiologists alike to keep these findings in mind going forward.

Gregg W. Stone, MD, Director of Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System and Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Professor of Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the ATHENS-HF Trial, a first-in-man study of a chronically-adjustbable, bi-atrial pressure sensing inter-atrial shunt from Adona Medical.

Adjustable interatrial shunt for heart failure shows promise in first-in-human trial

Gregg Stone, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about early data from the ATHENS-HF trial. Ten heart failure patients were treated with the adjustable device, and each implant was a success.