European Society of Cardiology (ESC)

This page includes news from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The ESC represents more than 95,000 men and women in the field of cardiology from Europe, the Mediterranean basin. It is the European umbrella cardiology organization, which includes the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), which hosts the large EuroPCR meeting; the European Heart Rhythm Society (EHRA); European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI); European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC); and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC).

OCT-guided PCI, or optical coherence tomography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention.

OCT-guided PCI boosts outcomes when treating complex lesions

When PCI patients present with complex lesions, optical coherence tomography may provide significant value.

PCI interventional cardiology

PCI before TAVR a winning combination for many heart patients

“No clear recommendation currently exists in U.S. or European guidelines for performing PCI in addition to TAVR,” researchers wrote. The group hoped its study could provide some clarity. 

The SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences is

TAVR outperforms SAVR when treating women, historic all-female trial confirms

The study, presented at ESC Congress 2024 in London, confirmed that TAVR was associated with significantly better outcomes than surgery when treating female patients. 

The MODULAR ATP study demonstrated a high rate of successful leadless pacemaker implantation with few complications and stable pacing parameters. The system uses the Emblem Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator (S-ICD) System and the new Empower Leadless Pacemaker from Boston Scientific.

Completely leadless cardiac rhythm management system impresses

According to new MODULAR ATP data, the leadless system was associated with a high success rate and few complications. Boston Scientific plans on seeking FDA approval in 2025. 

Heart attack patients see no benefits from stopping long-term beta-blocker therapy

Should patients stay on beta-blockers more than one year after a heart attack? The team behind the ABYSS clinical trial explored that very question, presenting its data at ESC Congress 2024.

ESC Congress 2023 in Amsterdam

AI for TAVR, robot-guided echo and more: Key research at ESC Congress 2024

ESC's annual meeting is always one of the world's largest gatherings of cardiologists and other cardiology professionals. This year's 4-day event will be no different. 

Images coronary calcium imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

OCT-guided PCI improves survival after life-threatening heart attacks

Researchers explored data from nearly 4,000 STEMI patients, noting that optical coherence tomography may be a valuable first step of any treatment strategy. 

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

MRI results help cardiologists predict heart failure risk

"This breakthrough suggests that heart MRI could potentially replace invasive diagnostic tests," one specialist said.