Matthew Summers, MD, FACC, program director for structural heart, Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, explains how his center used a new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) 3D CT planning software to better identify patients who are at high risk of complications. The software also enables the heart team to test the best placement of various valves to create a procedure plan tailored for each patients unique anatomy.

3D software helps cardiologists plan ahead for TAVR complications

Serious complications are rare after TAVR, but they can be catastrophic or fatal when they do occur. The care team at Sentara Heart Hospital found that bringing in new 3D software made it much easier to plan ahead for such issues. 

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Women of all ages face rising risks of heart disease and stroke—but cardiologists see a path forward

Cardiovascular disease is already the No. 1 killer among women—and new projections from the American Heart Association suggest things are going to get much worse. There are certain things that clinicians and patients can do, however, to help reverse this trend and save countless lives.

The new AHA initiative is being funded in part by a $1 million donation made by Jennifer Ashton, MD, who became a household name thanks to years of appearances on ABC News, Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, and her husband, TV producer Tom Werner. Ashton is a board-certified OB-GYN and nutrition specialist. She worked as the chief medical correspondent for ABC News and Good Morning America for several years. She is also an author, columnist and longtime AHA volunteer.

AHA launches women’s health initiative—doctor Jen Ashton and husband donate $1M

Jennifer Ashton, MD, an OB-GYN who became a household name thanks to years of appearances on ABC News and Good Morning America, hopes this new initiative can help cardiologists learn more about such topics as menopause and hormone therapy. 

Cardiologist heart

TAVR a safe treatment option for patients who have undergone chest radiation therapy

In fact, researchers wrote, TAVR and SAVR were linked to comparable long-term outcomes for heart patients who have previously been exposed to mediastinal radiation. 

Pei-Ni Jone explains ASE push for 3D TEE in congenital heart

ASE promoting 3D echo as a better way to treat congenital heart disease

The introduction of a 3D pediatric transesophegeal echo probe is having a major impact on how these pediatric congenital heart patients are being treated.

Biotronik has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Solia CSP S pacing lead for left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP).

FDA approves new Biotronik pacing lead for LBBAP

The next-generation device includes a stylet-driven lead and a fixed helix. It was designed and developed specifically with LBBAP in mind. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR

Many experts still recommend SAVR over TAVR for patients younger than 65 years old with severe aortic stenosis. However, transcatheter treatments are growing more and more popular when these younger patients require a valve replacement.

Friederike Keating, MD, director, nuclear cardiology, at University of Vermont Health, and chair of American Society of nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) Health Policy Committee, explains the support behind House Bill 7520 that aims to halt the Medicare's 2.5% efficiency adjustment cut to physician payments that was included in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Cardiologist says new legislation would delay flawed payment cuts, preserve access to care

The efficiency adjustment cuts introduced in the 2026 MPFS are based on assumptions many doctors believe to be false. The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and other medical societies are pushing back.