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.

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Mediterranean diets that include some lean red meat can still boost cardiovascular health
The study's authors focused on blood pressure reductions and arterial stiffness, sharing their findings in Current Developments in Nutrition.
Late-breaking cardiovascular drug trials took center stage at ACC.25
Richard Kovacs, MD, detailed some the most important late-breaking cardiology pharmacology trials presented at ACC.25.
‘A practice-changing trial’: Semaglutide linked to key benefits for PAD patients with diabetes
Patients who present with type 2 diabetes and PAD often face substantial mobility issues. According to new data presented at ACC.25, however, treatment with semaglutide could represent a major step forward for this high-risk population.
Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change
A nationwide policy shift implemented in 2018 was designed to, among other things, improve the waiting list mortality rate. One unintended consequence, however, is that patients are now more likely to experience a stroke after receiving a new heart.

Some CV drugs increase exposure, psychoactive effects of THC

A host of prescription drugs—including warfarin and other CV medications—may have potential drug interactions with the THC and cannabidiol in marijuana, according to an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Less than ⅕ of US stroke patients have timely access to thrombectomy

Just under 20% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke, according to a study out of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Blood flows differently through men’s, women’s hearts

Blood travels differently through women’s hearts than it does through men’s, research has found, suggesting cardiologists may benefit from tailoring their treatments to a specific sex.

Brain stents found to be safe for reducing recurrent stroke risk

Brain stents seem to be safe and effective in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke in patients who suffer from cholesterol-clogged brain arteries, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference.

Optimism reduces stroke severity

Stroke survivors who are optimistic about their recovery demonstrate lower levels of inflammation and physical disability than their less-cheerful counterparts, researchers reported at the Nursing Symposium of the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference.

CDC scientists say shingles vaccine protects against stroke, too

A shingles vaccine known as Zoster Vaccine Live can protect not only against a resurgence of the chickenpox virus, but also against stroke, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference this week in Dallas.

8 in 10 young adults feel safe vaping despite EVALI outbreak

Seventy-one percent of young adults who use e-cigarettes believe it’s an unhealthy habit, according to a report from health data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT—but nearly 80% say they still feel safe vaping.

Industry groups slam Trump proposal to eliminate FDA tobacco oversight

Major organizations including the American Heart Association and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have issued critical statements following the Trump administration’s 2021 budget proposal, which aims to abolish the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and establish a new agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Vascular & Endovascular

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Mediterranean diets that include some lean red meat can still boost cardiovascular health

Late-breaking cardiovascular drug trials took center stage at ACC.25

‘A practice-changing trial’: Semaglutide linked to key benefits for PAD patients with diabetes

Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change