Clinical Research

One of the big late-breaking trials presented at the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions was the CHAMPION-AF, which showed left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) can offer a safe, non-drug alternative to anticoagulation therapy, even in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not at high risk for bleeding. First author of the study Shephal Doshi, MD, FACC, an electrophysiologist at Cedars Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, discussed the details of the trial. #LAAO #ACC #ACC26

New data point to LAAO as a safe alternative to long-term drug therapy

At the end of the day, one electrophysiologist explained, these decisions should still be made on a case-by-case basis.

Heart cardiologists doctors surgery

PFA associated with heightened stroke risk

PFA is still quite safe overall. However, new data out of EHRA 2026 suggest cardiologists have much to learn about minimizing risk during treatment. 

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Ultraprocessed foods may degrade muscle health, new MRI findings suggest

High consumption of these foods could lead to increased levels of intramuscular fat—a known marker of poor muscle health, according to new research published in Radiology

Video interview with Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, FACC, FAHA, MSCAI, explains the advancements in interventional cardiology the society has championed over the past year. #SCAI

Outgoing SCAI president reflects on a busy year full of partnerships and advocacy

SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, a veteran interventional cardiologist, made a major impact on the group—and cardiology as a whole—over the last 12 months. 

Deepak Bhatt discusses the MOMENTUM STUDY and the prevalence of hypercortisolism hypertension. #ACC #ACC26

New data highlight an unexpected link between hypercortisolism and resistant hypertension

Clinicians may need to broaden their diagnostic approach when treating and managing patients with resistant hypertension. 

Video interview with Ronald Crystal, MD, chair, Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, presented late-breaking findings on a first in-human, virus-delivered gene therapy trial to stop cardiomyopathy death in patients with Friedreich Ataxia (FA). #ACC #ACC26

New gene therapy may help protect the hearts of patients with Friedreich's ataxia

A majority of deaths from Friedreich's ataxia are associated with heart complications. A new treatment years in the making could provide some much-needed relief.

Prem Soman, MD, director of the Cardiac Amyloidosis Center and nuclear cardiology, and associate chief of cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute presented the late-breaking results from the long-term survival benefits and disease stabilization with the drug acoramidis in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy at ACC 2026.

Long-term cardiac amyloidosis survival benefits seen in extension acoramidis trial

Patient outcomes clearly show acoramidis reduces both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations, but the study also reinforced the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy. 
 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an investigational device exemption (IDE) to conduct a pivotal clinical trial for TRiCares Topaz transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system in the U.S. The TTVR system uses two stent frames, one for the valve and one to engage the annulus with a membrane shirt between them to enable flexing of the outer ring to better seal against regurgitation.expansing stents

FDA clears way for IDE pivotal trial of the Topaz tricuspid valve replacement system

The TRiCares Topaz uses a unique two-stent frame valve prosthesis for better sealing and flexibility.