May/June 2019

As rates of infective endocarditis among intravenous drug users skyrocket, cardiologists are finding that treating the heart condition without addressing the disease of addiction contributes to readmissions and mortality. 

While the clinical case for cardiac PET is compelling, it also has to be feasible from a financial and logistical standpoint.

Earning approval to use a new cardiovascular drug in the clinical setting can cost 100+ times the average of bringing other medications to market.  

Telehealth enthusiasts are optimistic about telestenting’s potential to solve access-to-care issues but concede that significant obstacles must be overcome before it will be ready for prime time.

The global market for transcatheter treatment of the mitral and aortic valves is expected to increase from $4 billion to $8 billion in the next five years, but barriers exist. 

Clinical trials presented at ACC.19 flipped the script on TAVR vs. SAVR. 

The Heart Rhythm Society's 2019 scientific sessions will be held May 8-11 in San Francisco, a venue that enabled the program committee to tap into Silicon Valley’s expertise with digital health, emerging technology and innovation. HRS.19 Program Director Christine Albert, MD, MPH, gave Cardiovascular Business a preview of meeting highlights.

SCAI has diversified its planning committees and expanded the focus on live cases for its 2019 scientific sessions, says Program Chair Sunil Rao, MD.

Where I live in Pennsylvania, not far from the “Heroin Highway,” the local news delivers frequent but superficial glimpses of the impact of the opioid epidemic on families and our communities. Statistics underscore such stories: More than 70,000 drug over-dose deaths just in 2017 with an associated “economic burden” exceeding $78 billion per year.