Approximately 800,000 strokes occur each year in the United States alone. A majority of people survive, due in part to key advances in patient care over the years, but they often go forward without receiving the long-term help they need to recover and thrive. 

Edwards Lifesciences sent a formal request to CMS in February after its Evoque TTVR device gained FDA approval. The agency is now accepting public comments for 30 days.

Trokamed sent a letter to customers warning them to never use its Mini PCNL Sheaths for suction and irrigation, due to a risk of kidney rupture. 

The self-expanding device is now available in more than 20 countries and received CE mark approval back in 2020. However, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.

UPDATE: Congress on Friday, Dec. 20, passed a slimmed down version of the original continuing resolution with no physician Medicare pay fix. 

The BCBS decision pertains to gadopiclenol, a gadolinium-based product sold under the brand names Elucirem and Vueway. 

ACR noted that the state already is struggling to recruit and retain physicians, with the policy potentially exacerbating the problem. 

Rostislav Panev is facing fraud and cybercrime charges in Israel, where he has been accused of being a software developer for hacker group LockBit.