Vascular & Endovascular

This channel includes news on non-coronary vascular disease and therapies. These include peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism (PE), critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery and stroke interventions, venous interventions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and interventional radiology therapies. The focus on most of these therapies is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures performed in a cath lab.

‘Fundamental for all patients’: Exploring the benefits of palliative care for stroke survivors
Approximately 800,000 strokes occur each year in the United States alone. A majority of people survive, due in part to key advances in patient care over the years, but they often go forward without receiving the long-term help they need to recover and thrive.
Advancing AI for vascular surgery will require a commitment to data integrity
For artificial intelligence to truly transform care, the healthcare industry must address certain challenges. Jens Eldrup-Jorgensen, MD, a veteran vascular surgeon and member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, explains in a guest editorial.
Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk
Back in 2019, the FDA issued a warning about the use of paclitaxel-coated devices when treating peripheral artery disease. The agency took back that warning in 2023, but it appears to have made a significant impact on patient care.
Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men
The heightened risks were even seen in women who were never diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. It remains unclear why the same trend was not seen in men.
Clopidogrel vs. aspirin: Tracking the chronic maintenance period after PCI for different risk groups
As more high-risk patients undergo PCI, what is the best antiplatelet strategy following an initial event-free period of DAPT? Does it change after complex PCI? Researchers aimed to answer these questions, and many others, with new findings published in JAMA Cardiology.

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Plant-based diets—both vegetarian and vegan—linked to lower cholesterol levels, reduced risk of blocked arteries

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 RCTs highlighted numerous benefits associated with vegetarian and vegan diets. Combining a plant-based diet with statin therapy, one researcher noted, could result "in an even larger beneficial effect.”

May 25, 2023

Marijuana use linked to much higher risk of peripheral artery disease

New research presented at SCAI Scientific Sessions 2023 suggests that marijuana users should understand the early warning signs of PAD, including feelings of pain and coldness in the leg.

May 18, 2023

Number of stroke deaths worldwide could reach nearly 5 million by 2030

The worldwide stroke rate has been decreasing over time, but the population is aging and growing at such a rapid rate that stroke-related mortality is still expected to rise.

May 17, 2023

FDA grants fast track designation to Bayer’s new drug for preventing stroke in AFib patients

The new drug, asundexian, is currently the subject of two multicenter Phase III studies—the OCEANIC-AF trial and OCEANIC-STROKE trial—focused on its safety and efficacy.

May 16, 2023

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Report: Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson consider Shockwave Medical acquisition after Boston Scientific talks stall

Shockwave Medical has already had a busy, successful 2023—what could be next for the IVL specialists?

May 11, 2023

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) Shockwave Medical PCI PAD CAD Disrupt PAD Disrupt CAD SCAI 2022

Boston Scientific’s deal to acquire Shockwave Medical reportedly hits a snag

Talks between the two companies have reached a standstill, according to a new report. The rumor appears to have impacted the stock prices of both Boston Scientific and Shockwave Medical.

May 8, 2023

Fewer stress tests, more high-risk procedures: How working at a hospital influences cardiologists

Cardiologists employed by a hospital appear to be more likely to pursue cardiac catheterization or angioplasty than independent cardiologists.

May 4, 2023

Abbott completes $850M acquisition of Minnesota-based Cardiovascular Systems

The deal represents a significant addition to Abbott’s cardiovascular portfolio.

April 28, 2023

Vascular & Endovascular

‘Fundamental for all patients’: Exploring the benefits of palliative care for stroke survivors

Advancing AI for vascular surgery will require a commitment to data integrity

Industry concerns over paclitaxel-coated devices may have put PAD patients at risk

Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men

Clopidogrel vs. aspirin: Tracking the chronic maintenance period after PCI for different risk groups