Prior authorization, which requires healthcare providers to get approval from insurance providers before giving certain treatments to patients, has been long-hailed as extremely burdensome to physicians, even causing delays in patient care.

Researchers have completed a new analysis of the Evolut Pro and Pro+ devices from Medtronic and the Sapien 3 Ultra devices from Edwards Lifesciences, sharing the results in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Oversized devices are becoming more common as time goes on, which suggests operators are growing increasingly comfortable with this treatment choice.

A study that aimed to look at the association between physician burnout and electronic health record message characteristics did not find a strong link, but did reveal opportunities to improve negativity and hostility toward physicians in some messages.

“There is a crucial need to develop synthetic vascular graft materials that will increase the rate of long-term functions,” one researcher said. Could materials derived from seaweed help fill that need?

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible. 

Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai has denied that two deaths that have sparked concerns about a new Alzheimer's disease drug treatment are attributed to its trials.

This latest recall involves the device's driveline boot cover, which “can become stiff over time” and cause problems for clinicians. There have been 33 complaints since 2017 related to the issue.