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.

Stryker acquires Inari Medical for $4.9B
Stryker, a global medtech company based out of Michigan, has kicked off 2025 with a bit of excitement. The company says Inari’s peripheral vascular portfolio is highly complementary to its own neurovascular portfolio.
‘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.

Exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood increases lifetime risk of AFib

An analysis of the long-running Framingham Heart Study has revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood increases a person’s lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation.

September 24, 2019

Therapeutic shoe improves stroke survivors’ gait, symmetry

A therapeutic shoe designed to improve stroke survivors’ gait and symmetry was successful in a small-scale trial of six patients, according to a study published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.

September 20, 2019

Zantac pulled from global markets amid investigation

Drugmaker Novartis is halting the distribution of generic Zantac, or ranitidine, while the drug is investigated for NDMA, a probable human carcinogen.

September 18, 2019

‘Alarming’ number of heart infections can be traced back to opioid epidemic

The opioid crisis is to blame for an “alarming” number of cases of infective endocarditis, according to the American Heart Association.

September 18, 2019

Study finds aspirin beneficial for some without established CVD

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine Sept. 17 suggests daily aspirin could result in a net benefit for some people without established CVD, further muddying the debate over whether aspirin is an effective preventive tool for those without heart disease.

September 17, 2019

FDA warns of probable carcinogens in Zantac, other heartburn drugs

The FDA announced Sept. 13 it identified low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, in popular heartburn drugs including Zantac.

September 16, 2019

Study adds to pool of evidence that paclitaxel-coated devices are safe

Contrary to a recent FDA advisory that acknowledged a late mortality signal with paclitaxel-coated and -eluting devices, a study published in the Journal of Endovascular Therapy found such stents safe in the long-term for treating femoropopliteal lesions in people with peripheral artery disease.

September 12, 2019

Men with erectile dysfunction prone to heart disease, stroke

Men who struggle with erectile dysfunction—especially more severe cases—are at an increased risk of CHD, total heart disease, stroke and all-cause mortality, according to research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

September 12, 2019

Vascular & Endovascular

Stryker acquires Inari Medical for $4.9B

‘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