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).

Abbott has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its CardioMEMS HERO device, a next-generation pulmonary artery (PA) pressure reader for heart failure patients.

FDA approves next-generation CardioMEMS reader for heart failure monitoring

The updated reader is 60% smaller and offers built-in WiFi connectivity. It works with an implantable sensor to monitor a patient's PA pressure. 

warning safety alert recall healthcare issue

FDA shares new warning about Johnson & Johnson heart pumps after 4 injuries

This represents the latest in a series of safety concerns associated with the Impella platform. The FDA said it is still reviewing the matter and will keep the public informed as new details become available. 

Thumbnail

Women of all ages face rising risks of heart disease and stroke—but cardiologists see a path forward

Cardiovascular disease is already the No. 1 killer among women—and new projections from the American Heart Association suggest things are going to get much worse. There are certain things that clinicians and patients can do, however, to help reverse this trend and save countless lives.

BioVentrix's Revivent system

Heart failure company BioVentrix files for IPO

The company, known for its advanced heart failure technologies, hopes to be traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol BVXX.

money business cash flow dollar

CVRx highlights revenue growth in Q4, increased momentum going forward

The company's implantable Barostim device continues to make an impact on patient care. CVRx also shared excitement about the year ahead, pointing to an important new clinical trial.

Researchers in the U.K. from Newcastle University, University of Leeds, and the University of East Anglia found they could use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T2 intracardiac blood pool data to create imaging-derived SvO2 (iSvO2) noninvasively.

MRI scans evaluate heart failure risk—no invasive catheterization required

Advanced imaging may be able to help certain heart patients avoid the risks and discomfort associated with right heart catheterizations.

progress step forward business announce

New heart catheter for cell therapy delivery 1 step closer to FDA approval

The BioCardia delivery catheter was designed to be used by interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists or cardiac surgeons. It includes a tiny needle that directly engages with the patient’s cardiac tissue. 

The Impella RP with SmartAssist. Image courtesy of Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

FDA warns that Johnson & Johnson heart pump sensors may malfunction—22 injuries reported

There is a risk of users making adjustments during treatment that are unnecessary. The FDA is still evaluating the issue at this time.