Clinical

This channel newsfeed includes clinical content on treating patients or the clinical implications in a variety of cardiac subspecialties and disease states. The channel includes news on cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, heart failure, electrophysiology, hypertension, structural heart disease, use of pharmaceuticals, and COVID-19.

Blood pressure drug recalled due to black contaminants—FDA highlights safety risks
The recall was put in place after a customer discovered “visible black particulate matter” in a sealed vial. If the contaminant enters a patient's blood vessels, it could lead to serious complications, including a stroke or even death.
Automated tracking helps leave no incidental finding behind
Radiology researchers have developed and validated an automated program for tracking incidental imaging findings. The system facilitates communications between radiologists, patients and primary care providers whenever such findings turn up.
FDA clears first blood test of its kind for Lp(a)
The new blood test from Roche Diagnostics measures Lp(a) in terms of nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) as opposed to milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Cardiologist-founded startup raises $2M in the name of women’s heart health
Systole Health is focused on providing personalized healthcare to women with heart disease. “As a cardiologist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face in managing their heart health," the company's co-founder said.
TAVR valve improvements may have helped reduce the impact of paravalvular leak
Multiple studies over the years have linked PVL to an increased risk of adverse outcomes. New research out of Italy, however, suggests that device improvements made by Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences and Boston Scientific may have reduced PVL's influence.

Serial transverse CT scans in a 65-year-old man with severe COVID-19. Image courtesy of Radiology. #longcovid #covidlonghauler #lungdamagecovid

Severe COVID patients continue to evidence lung abnormalities 2 years after initial infection

Scans on these patients show a combination of fibrosis, thickening, honeycombing, cystic changes and dilation of the bronchi, among other imaging features.

High-risk patients ineligible for bypass surgery see ‘profound improvements’ after PCI

High-risk patients with complex CAD who are ineligible for CABG can still see substantial benefits from PCI.

No new COVID-19 variants emerged in latest outbreak in China

More than 90% of local infections in Beijing between Nov. 14 and Dec. 20, 2022, were BA.5.2 and BF.7, two existing Omicron sub-variants of COVID-19.

4 key takeaways from ISC 2023: AFib detection, improved stroke survival and more

Leading stroke specialists from all over the world gathered in Dallas for the 2023 International Stroke Conference. Catch up on some of the biggest stories that came out of the three-day event.

Long daily exposure to blue light no threat to radiologists’ eyesight

Most radiologists log many hours every workday gazing into computer monitors emitting blue light, but their eyes are at close to zero risk of damage from retinal phototoxicity.

Homegrown tracking boosts follow-up imaging for incidental findings of uncertain gravity

A structured program to track incidental findings on body CT has significantly boosted rates of clinician follow-up as well as timely patient adherence to radiologist recommendations for next exams.

A CT coronary calcium scoring exam at Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital in the Chicago Suburbs. Dave Fornell

The remaining gaps in evidence for cardiac CT

While the ACC/AHA 2021 Chest Pain Assessment Guidelines included cardiac CT angiography as a top level recommendation, gaps in evidence still need to be filled.

FDA calls out weight loss pills for ‘hidden’ ingredient that puts health of heart patients at risk

The agency’s own analysis confirmed that these capsules contain sibutramine, which was removed from the market back in 2010 due to safety concerns

Clinical

Blood pressure drug recalled due to black contaminants—FDA highlights safety risks

Automated tracking helps leave no incidental finding behind

FDA clears first blood test of its kind for Lp(a)

Cardiologist-founded startup raises $2M in the name of women’s heart health

TAVR valve improvements may have helped reduce the impact of paravalvular leak