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).

CorWave LVAD

World’s first patient receives new-look heart pump—cardiologist ‘impressed’ by device’s performance

The CorWave technology is unlike other left ventricular assist devices, working in harmony with the patient's heartbeat and making adjustments as needed. 

Johnson & Johnson MedTech Automated Impella Controller

FDA shares warning after Johnson & Johnson heart pump controllers linked to 3 deaths

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has received reports of its Automated Impella Controller failing to connect properly with Impella heart pumps. If this happens, the FDA warned, it may put patients at risk.

Medtronic ECMO VitalFlow

Medtronic’s new ECMO system receives a key approval

According to Medtronic, its VitalFlow ECMO system was designed and developed with the user experience in mind. 

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Women less likely to receive DCD heart transplants

Donation after circulatory death heart transplants are gaining popularity in the United States, but men are much more likely to be selected for one. 

cardiovascular heart diagnostics

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed

Researchers explored more than 52 years of data, highlighting several key trends in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

 The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) recently announced its new officers and board members. Their terms start at the conclusion of the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 (ASM) Sept. 26-29, 2025 in Minneapolis.

Heart Failure Society of America names its newest leaders and board members

Kenneth Margulies, MD, will be the group's next president. These new terms all begin after the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting in September.

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

First 250 patients enrolled in transcatheter heart failure device trial to reduce LV size

The first 250 patients has been enrolled in the CORCINCH-HF U.S. pivotal trial evaluating the AccuCinch Transcatheter Left Ventricular Restoration System in patients with HFrEF.

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How private equity influences care for heart failure patients

Overall, 30-day outcomes were not significantly different for hospitals after being acquired by a private equity firm. However, the study’s authors did identify trends that suggest there may be a drop in the quality of care.