Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

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CMS to cover cardiac ablations performed in ASCs—cardiology group calls it a ‘tremendous victory’

Electrophysiologists can now perform cardiac ablation outside of a hospital setting. Groups such as the American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society have been pushing for this change for quite some time, pointing to the potential to cut costs and boost patient satisfaction.

Boston Scientific partners with Epic on data integration

The collaboration allows providers to order diagnostic tests and then receive results directly in Epic.

Financial data showing growing revenue

‘Strongest growth in over a decade’: Heart tech helps Medtronic beat earnings expectations

The company's PFA and TAVR technologies both played key roles in the successful second quarter. In addition, Medtronic expects its place in the renal denervation market to make a major impact going forward. 

Hexoskin Medical System

FDA clears new ‘smart shirt’ for real-time cardiopulmonary monitoring

According to Hexoskin, the newly cleared technology offers significant value for hospitals and health systems as well as researchers conducting clinical trials. 

Duke University is heading a project that for the first time in the United States, drones will be used to quickly deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to bystanders who call 911 for patients in cardiac arrest. The idea is to deliver an AED faster than police or paramedics could arrive on scene, saving critical minutes in an effort to boost survival.

Drones deliver AEDs for the first time in the United States

“This study represents a major step forward in how we respond to cardiac arrest in the United States,” explained Monique Starks, MD, principal investigator. “By integrating drone technology into emergency care, we’re working to close the critical gap between cardiac arrest and treatment."

Siemens Healthineers and Boston Scientific partner on next-generation intracardiac echo for LAAO

The agreement also will make Boston Scientific the exclusive distributor for the new ICE catheter optimized for left atrial appendage occlusion workflows.

Drinking coffee may reduce risk of recurrent AFib

Physicians often tell AFib patients they should limit coffee consumption to protect their hearts. This new analysis, however, suggests that may not be necessary.

Withings BeamO

FDA clears AI-powered ‘thermometer of the future’ with ECG sensors

BeamO combines electrocardiogram sensors, a stethoscope and a thermometer into a single device that patients can use at home to learn more about their health. Findings can then be submitted for a cardiologist to review.