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.

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately
The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall. If patients update their phone or watch apps as needed, they can continue to use these devices like normal.
Cardiologist sues hospital after he was allegedly let go for sharing safety concerns
The veteran interventional cardiologist claims he was pushed out after repeatedly asking for more coverage from cardiothoracic surgeons in addition to other improvements. The hospital, meanwhile, described the lawsuit as a “collection of false allegations."
Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV
The American College of Cardiology has shared new recommendations highlighting the protective benefits of a variety of vaccines. The new guidance also examines how to speak with patients who are hesitant to be vaccinated.
Heart surgeons see more potential in AI than colleagues from other fields
Cardiac surgeons see significant value in AI's ability to assist clinicians with administrative tasks and patient selection. When it comes to making clinical decisions, however, there is still a certain amount of skepticism.
New Apple Watch Ultra 3 makes early hypertension detection a priority
"This tool empowers patients and clinicians to work together, putting prevention at the center of care," said Ami B. Bhatt, MD, ACC chief innovation officer. "What we really want to do is create patient agency and reach as many people as we can for earlier detection of high blood pressure."

‘Inadvertently reversed’ mortality data further muddy debate on paclitaxel PAD treatments

In the latest twist in the debate over the long-term safety of paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents, a correction published Feb. 19 in Circulation said the five-year mortality results of the Zilver PTX randomized trial were “inadvertently reversed”—and that uncoated devices were actually associated with better survival.

AHA: Stick to these 4 habits for a healthy BP

The American Heart Association announced on Feb. 20 it launched a series of quick online reference tools for physicians and their patients who struggle with high blood pressure, including a list of four of the most common mistakes hypertensives can make on a daily basis.

Consistent with ‘obesity paradox,’ overweight AF patients see lower odds of death, stroke

A study published Feb. 14 in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) fare better in terms of mortality and stroke events than their non-obese counterparts—a finding that’s in line with the much-contested “obesity paradox."

Startup selling blood from young donors crumbles under FDA scrutiny

A startup that sold young donors’ blood to consumers in several states with the goal of treating conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease has apparently shut down in the wake of an FDA statement that the blood-infusion technique has no scientific merit.

Acetaminophen could minimize risk of delirium after heart surgery

Individuals undergoing cardiac surgery might benefit from a pre-scheduled postoperative cocktail of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and either propofol or dexmedetomidine, according to Harvard researchers who found the common painkiller could reduce in-hospital delirium in older patients.

Edwards’ Pascal TMVR system gains CE mark

The Pascal transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) system has received its CE mark for the treatment of patients with mitral regurgitation, device manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences announced Feb. 19.

Off-pump vs. on-pump CABG: Does it really matter?

Five-year survival rates and cardiovascular outcomes are similar between elderly patients who undergo both off- and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to research out of Germany.

Artificially sweetened drinks linked to increased risk of stroke

Women who consumed multiple artificially sweetened beverages per day, including diet sodas and fruit drinks, were significantly more likely to die or suffer ischemic strokes over an average follow-up period of 12 years, according to an observational study published Feb. 14 in Stroke.

Clinical

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately

Cardiologist sues hospital after he was allegedly let go for sharing safety concerns

Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV

Heart surgeons see more potential in AI than colleagues from other fields

New Apple Watch Ultra 3 makes early hypertension detection a priority