Care Delivery

This channel includes news on cardiovascular care delivery, including how patients are diagnosed and treated, cardiac care guidelines, policies or legislation impacting patient care, device recalls that may impact patient care, and cardiology practice management.

Researchers bring on-the-go CCTA scans to underserved communities
Cleerly and Clear Heart and Lung Imaging partnered to drive a cardiac-capable mobile CT scanner across Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. Their goals were to evaluate patients in underserved parts of the United States and collect data for an ongoing clinical trial.
The world’s best heart hospitals: New list includes many from United States
Newsweek and Statista have shared their 2027 list of the world’s top 300 hospitals for cardiology. Nine of the top 20 are based in the United States.
Fewer Americans are dying from heart disease—Black patients still face the highest risks
The overall mortality rate for U.S. patients with cardiovascular disease has improved significantly in recent years. At the same time, however, care gaps remain that must be addressed.
Gen Z seems to appreciate TikTok doctors more than the ones seen in person
As long as the influencer presents with apparent knowledgeability, a polished appearance, medical accoutrements and a caring demeanor, he or she will probably be afforded plenty of leeway to hold forth on all things health and healthcare.
‘Black matter’ in ICU Medical IV drips deemed unlikely to pose a risk to patients
In an update to an early alert from May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said an investigation by the device manufacturer concluded the black spots were part of the PVC material used in manufacturing.

8 in 10 young adults have CKM syndrome, increasing their risk of early arterial injury

These findings underscore the importance of making healthy lifestyle decisions at a young age.

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Screening program flags unrecognized heart failure in patients with diabetes

Using NT-proBNP testing kits on high-risk patients with diabetes could help get many more patients the care they need, according to new data published in JACC.

One New York health system sues another over cardiology services—lawsuit prompts new legislation

Ellis Medicine and St. Peter’s Health Partners spent years discussing a merger. After those discussions were abandoned, however, things got ugly between the two New York health systems. The services of 27 cardiologists are at the center of this ongoing dispute.

The power of quality improvement: How a cath lab transformed care for PCI patients

A multidisciplinary committee formed in 2022 to identify ways to improve safety and efficiency in their facility's cath lab. By 2024, it was clear the group's proposals had made a major impact.

TAVR is safe for patients with large aortic annuli—heart failure remains a concern

As always, heart team discussions play a vital role when choosing between TAVR and SAVR for patients with large or extra-large aortic annuli.

Philips recalls Cardiac Workstation systems due to software issue—users urged to follow new guidance

These systems do not need to be returned to the manufacturer. However, users are urged to follow specific instructions to avoid any issues.

Examples of OCT (left) and IVUS (right) images of two different subjects with calcium. Blue arrows denote calcium noted on OCT, red asterisks mark calcium on IVUS

OCT shows potential for image-guided BTK interventions in PAD patients

OCT and IVUS appear to be comparable when assessing patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. OCT offers a clearer look at the patient's calcium, however, and researchers are hoping to learn just how much value that improved clarity may provide.

the hospital, freeing hospital capacity for more complex cases while potentially reducing costs. Wilber Su, MD, FACC, FHRS, director of cardiac electrophysiology at Banner Health and a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona, said Banner has developed ASC partnerships with private physicians and more recently established an academic ASC model in which employed physicians can participate. The approach reflects a broader trend toward performing selected procedures in outpatient ASCs.

Banner Health partnering with physicians to bring more heart procedures to ASCs

Wilber Su, MD, says ASCs now offer health systems a great opportunity to perform low-acuity EP cases in a less expensive, more convenient environment.

Care Delivery

Researchers bring on-the-go CCTA scans to underserved communities

The world’s best heart hospitals: New list includes many from United States

Fewer Americans are dying from heart disease—Black patients still face the highest risks

Gen Z seems to appreciate TikTok doctors more than the ones seen in person

‘Black matter’ in ICU Medical IV drips deemed unlikely to pose a risk to patients