Vascular & Endovascular

This channel includes news on non-coronary vascular disease and therapies. These include peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism (PE), critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery and stroke interventions, venous interventions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and interventional radiology therapies. The focus on most of these therapies is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures performed in a cath lab.

$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes
PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFR_CTAnalysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years.
FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death
The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.
Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE
The new device is believed to be the first of its kind, using both aspiration and mechanical clot disruption to remove blood clots.
TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock
TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options.
PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack
PAD and CLI patients who show signs of coronary heart disease may benefit from early treatment, according to a new study of nearly 4 million hospitalizations.

Autopsies suggest we still have a lot to learn about COVID-19's impact on the heart

Researchers focused on patients who died during the early stages of the pandemic.

December 8, 2021

Researchers 'really enthusiastic' about potential breakthrough in the treatment of vascular disease

The new treatment, still being tested in mice models, showed potential to help prevent future cardiovascular events in patients with vascular disease.

December 7, 2021

TEVAR outcomes don't suffer when performed at low-volume hospitals

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair, researchers wrote, "could be safely preformed across a wide range of hospitals regardless of their volume status."

December 7, 2021

Patient doctor with masks. A team of specialists from Cleveland Clinic reviewed nearly 3,000 medications, writing that a common type 2 diabetes medication offered the most potential as an effective treatment for AFib.

DOACs outperform VKAs among cardiac amyloidosis patients with HF, AFib

Outcomes from patients prescribed apixaban, rivaroxaban or dabigatran were compared with outcomes from patients given warfarin.

December 2, 2021

IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

DAPT after PCI can stop after 1 month, new research confirms

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, examined outcomes from more than 3,000 patients.

November 23, 2021

Some hospitalized COVID-19 patients may need anticoagulation therapy at discharge

Researchers focused on rates of venous thromboembolism among COVID-19 patients at their own health system, sharing their work in JAMA Network Open.

November 22, 2021

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy to break up calcified coronary lesions will now be reimbursed at a higher rate under new in-hospital codes the went into effect Oct. 1. Illustration of the Shockwave lithoplasty procedure using sonic waves to bust calcium without trauma.

Multicenter trial to evaluate IVL treatment for peripheral lesions below the knee

The Disrupt BTK II study will include 250 patients overall.

November 22, 2021

New study compares polymer and polymer-free drug-eluting stents after 3 years

The analysis included outcomes data from nearly 1,500 PCI patients.

November 22, 2021

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Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Vascular & Endovascular

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack

Around the web