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.

Reprocessed EP catheters recalled due to contamination risk
The FDA has announced seven Class I recalls related to this issue. Customers are urged to destroy the devices immediately instead of returning them to the manufacturer.
New initiative to fund pulmonary embolism research
Grants from $50,000 to $750,000 will be awarded to pay for physician-led studies focused on PE care.
Cardiologists urge Congress to pass new bills focused on PAD, Medicare coverage
SCAI has shared a new call to action as an observance of American Heart Month. The group is asking Congress to pass new pieces of legislation that could improve care for PAD patients and get important medical devices in the hands of interventional cardiologists.
FDA announces recall of Johnson & Johnson devices after multiple injuries, 1 death
Several detachable coil systems are being recalled due to a higher-than-expected failure to detach rate. Customers should not use them going forward.
New meta-analysis explores potential of endovascular treatments for long femoropopliteal lesions
Open surgical bypass is the gold standard, but endovascular therapies may provide value for high-risk patients with long femoropopliteal lesions.

Boston Scientific to acquire Penumbra for $14.5B

This is a cash and stock transaction that values Penumbra at $374 per share. The move helps Boston Scientific expand its vascular and neurovascular portfolios, gaining new treatments for pulmonary embolism, stroke, deep vein thrombosis and many other critical cardiovascular conditions.

Haemonetics acquires Irish medtech company focused on vessel closure for up to $215M

The device at the heart of this transaction is the PerQseal Elite system, a fully bioabsorbable patch for percutaneous vessel closure. The technology has already gained key approvals in Europe.

FDA announces supplement recall over risk of heart attack or stroke

Silintan is a dietary supplement marketed as a treatment for joint and body aches. According to a recent analysis by the FDA, however, all lots contained undeclared meloxicam, creating an increased risk of adverse events.

leg veins chronic venous disease PAD peripheral artery disease

Cardiovascular health societies share new performance and quality measures for PAD management

The ACC and AHA have published updated performance and quality measures focused on the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease. Several other specialty societies, including SCAI and SIR, also participated in the development of this new document.

FDA approves new stent for deep venous disease

According to Gore, the newly approved device was built with conformability, strength and fracture resistance in mind.

Cardiac surgeon and innovator Thomas Fogerty, MD, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Technology.

Cardiology pioneer Thomas Fogarty dies as 91

Fogarty created many inventions that fundamentally changed cardiac surgical practice. He also received the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama in 2014.

FDA confirms new recall after catheter sheath was left in patient’s body

This is a Class I recall, which means the FDA believes these devices could cause a serious injury or death.

Trump regrets undergoing CT to evaluate heart health—cardiologist still baffled by his aspirin use

President Trump, 79, says he is still in excellent health. He also has no intention of cutting down on the high dose of aspirin he takes each day.

Vascular & Endovascular

Reprocessed EP catheters recalled due to contamination risk

New initiative to fund pulmonary embolism research

Cardiologists urge Congress to pass new bills focused on PAD, Medicare coverage

FDA announces recall of Johnson & Johnson devices after multiple injuries, 1 death

New meta-analysis explores potential of endovascular treatments for long femoropopliteal lesions