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 cardiologyheart failure, electrophysiologyhypertension, structural heart disease, use of pharmaceuticals, and COVID-19.   

B. Braun recalls IV solutions over serious patient safety risks

Two lots of IV solution bags from the company were found to contain particulate matter that could cause blockages in blood vessels, killing a patient. To date, no serious adverse events have been reported.

Boston Scientific said it initiated the AGENT DCB STANCE trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) compared to the standard of care using either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and/or balloon angioplasty. The trial will enroll more than 1,600 patients and is expected to a primary completion date in 2028.

Boston Scientific launches study comparing drug-coated balloons to standard care

"This important study will evaluate the potential benefits of the AGENT DCB for patients with certain anatomical features in de novo coronary lesions, where the avoidance of stents is preferable to help circumvent potential complications,” said Janar Sathananthan, MD, chief medical officer, interventional cardiology therapies, Boston Scientific. 

New MRI findings may explain why some amputees struggle with phantom pain

New research refutes the notion that parts of the brain controlling specific extremities remap themselves following amputation, which would prevent patients from feeling pain associated with the removed appendage. 

Eko Health announced former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, FASA, a board-certified anesthesiologist and executive director of the Center for Community Health Enhancement and Learning at Purdue University, joined the company as a distinguished medical advisor.

Former US surgeon general joins Eko as medical advisor

"Eko is transforming how we detect cardiovascular disease—making cutting-edge, AI-powered tools accessible to frontline providers," said former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Breakthrough Device Program designations data this week, which now includes 1,176 Breakthrough Device designations, of which 160 have gained market clearance. Cardiovascular devices lead these with 243 devices, the highest number out of all other clinical categories. This includes 16 new cardiovascular devices cleared in the past year.

Cardiovascular device approvals continue to lead the FDA's Breakthrough Device Program

Cardiology is number one in FDA Breakthrough Device designations at 218, the highest number out of all other clinical categories. This includes 16 new devices cleared in the past year.

FTC challenge to Edwards JenaValve acquisition could delay FDA approval

Edwards Lifesciences asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this week to dismiss the complaint against the company's acquisition of JenaValve this week. A healthcare market analysis firm also said the FTC actions will likely impact the timing of an FDA clearance of the Trilogy heart valve.

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FDA clears new trial of first-in-class treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension

The new drug, VTB-10, previously received the FDA's orphan drug designation in 2024.

Epic partners with Microsoft to roll out AI-powered clinical scribe

Epic confirmed on Tuesday that its long-rumored AI scribe feature is a reality. The company said it’s working with Microsoft-owned Nuance—and with clinical documentation standout Abridge—to add the feature to its platform.