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.

Update: FDA confirms recalls for defibrillation leads after nearly 400 injuries
Safety concerns with certain Boston Scientific leads has resulted in multiple Class I recalls, the FDA has announced. The agency first shared a warning about this issue in August.
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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared a new warning about ongoing safety issues with atherectomy devices sold and distributed by Bard Peripheral Vascular, an Arizona-based subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). The warning includes multiple models of Bard Peripheral Vascular’s Rotarex Atherectomy System, which is designed to target high-risk plaques and blood clots in the peripheral arteries by rotating at a high speed.

FDA warns that atherectomy devices are breaking during use—30 serious injuries, 4 deaths reported

More than 100 incidents have been reported so far. The FDA is still evaluating this issue, but the agency wanted to raise awareness as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 linked to accelerated plaque growth, long-term risk of heart attack or stroke

These risks appear to be present regardless of a person's age or health at the time of infection.

Post-stroke follow-up care considerably worse for women than men

Female stroke survivors are less likely to receive a cardiology referral or undergo cardiac monitoring than their male counterparts.

COVID may cause 'rapid progression' of coronary plaques, imaging study suggests

These elevated risks extend well beyond the initial infection period, researchers caution.

THT 2025: Late-breaking clinical trials announced for CRF’s heart failure conference

The annual conference is now in its fourth year. Attendees are encouraged to leave their ties, jackets and skirts at home and embrace a more casual dress code.

FDA warns that smartphone-compatible diabetes devices may not work properly

Smartphones have made it easier than ever for patients to monitor their own health, but the technology is far from infallible.

Heart failure patients see benefits from home-based rehab

Many heart failure patients still skip cardiac rehab altogether. Offering a home-based option could potentially help reverse that trend.

Cigna announces changes to improve prior authorization, customer satisfaction

The insurance giant said it will link executive compensation to provider and patient satisfaction, in addition to releasing an annual transparency report on claims reimbursement and denials.

Clinical

Update: FDA confirms recalls for defibrillation leads after nearly 400 injuries

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