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.

Bleeding reversal agent pulled from market over FDA’s safety concerns
AstraZeneca has stopped selling Andexxa because randomized data suggested some patients may face an increased risk of certain adverse events. The company emphasized that it remains confident in the agent's abilities.
ACC calls for better management of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients
PAD in patients with diabetes is common and associated with an increased risk of several adverse events. A new guidance from the American College of Cardiology reviewed this topic at length, identifying areas where care needs to improve.
Surgeons use modified ‘frozen elephant trunk’ technique for first heart surgery of its kind
When the devices needed for a specific procedure were not available, a group of surgeons got creative. Their one-of-a-kind approach was a success, and the patient has experienced no complications.
New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time
The new device uses an advanced algorithm to regulate aspiration and conserve blood. Ajit Rao, MD, a vascular surgeon with The Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedure.
Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE
Massachusetts-based SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.

Death, amputation more common with paclitaxel-coated devices vs. conventional angioplasty

A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology supports evidence that paclitaxel-coated balloons may pose more risk than reward for patients with symptoms of critical limb ischemia.

Experimental hemophilia drug could be the most expensive in the world

Biotech company BioMarin Pharmaceutical is considering a price point of between $2 million and $3 million for its novel experimental gene therapy for hemophilia patients, the Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 16.

More than 2M heart patients use marijuana

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology this month suggests that an excess of 2 million patients with cardiovascular disease also use marijuana.

Mechanical hyperventilation could streamline cardiac ablation

A medical technique that involves safely hyperventilating conscious, unmedicated patients could facilitate the use of radiotherapy for cardiac ablation, according to research published in Frontiers in Physiology.

Smoking hookah may increase risk of thrombosis

A mouse study has revealed that smoking hookah—inhaling tobacco through a long water pipe—can cause blood to function abnormally and clot.

1 in 6 cases of EVALI can be traced back to legal THC vapes

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Jan. 14 revealed that one in six cases of vaping-related lung illness, or EVALI, can be linked to legally purchased cannabis products.

FDA reports more ranitidine recalls

The FDA has added at least three additional items to its growing roster of heartburn drug recalls.

Researchers uncover evidence of atherosclerosis in ancient hunter-gatherers

Researchers studying ancient Inuit remains from Greenland have found that three in four mummies they analyzed showed signs of atherosclerosis, suggesting today’s CV hardships might not be the sole product of an unhealthy lifestyle in the 21st century.

Vascular & Endovascular

Bleeding reversal agent pulled from market over FDA’s safety concerns

ACC calls for better management of peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients

Surgeons use modified ‘frozen elephant trunk’ technique for first heart surgery of its kind

New Medtronic thrombectomy system used commercially for first time

Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE