Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is most commonly caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction) where blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked. This is usually caused by a blood clot from a ruptured coronary artery atherosclerotic plaque. Other causes include spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which most commonly occurs in women. ACS is usually treated in a cath lab with angioplasty and the placement of a stent to prop the vessel open.

COVID-19 can have a serious impact effecting the heart during and after infection. The ACC released expert consensus decision pathway for the evaluation and management for the cardiovascular consequences of COVID infection and long-COVID, also known by its official clinical designation as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

COVID-19 repercussions on cardiac services will be with us for years to come

A new study reveals the damage caused to cardiovascular programs by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly. The review found a number of people dying are at home from heart conditions. 

June 6, 2022
Dragonfly OpStar Imaging Catheter FDA recall May 2022

FDA announces Class I recall of 4,800 imaging catheters due to risk of vascular injury

There have been five reported incidents so far, including one patient injury.

May 26, 2022
Example of ultrasound-assisted laser arterial plaque removal, which might be developed into a new type of less traumatic atherectomy system.Image courtesy of Rohit Singh.

New atherosclerosis treatment uses ultrasound-assisted lasers to break down plaque

The new technique is still in the development stage, but early research suggests it could provide clinicians with a new treatment option for breaking down arterial plaque. 

May 25, 2022
Doctor patient

How cardiologists can make an impact in the face of anti-abortion laws

“For patients with cardiovascular disease, abortion access is a critical part of their comprehensive cardiovascular and reproductive care,” according to the three authors of a new commentary piece in JAMA Cardiology.

May 20, 2022
Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) Shockwave Medical PCI PAD CAD trial prsented at SCAI 2022. #DisruptPAD, #DisruptCAD, #SCAI #SCAI22 #SCAI2022

Intravascular lithotripsy tied to superior long-term PAD, PCI outcomes at SCAI 2022

Two separate sessions presented at SCAI 2022 focused on long-term outcomes associated with Shockwave Medical's IVL technology.

May 19, 2022
Intermittent fasting may improve heart health for some breast cancer survivors

Intermittent fasting helps breast cancer survivors limit their CVD risk

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined how a breast cancer survivor's eating schedule may impact their risk of cardiac events. 

May 18, 2022
The Medtronic Onyx Frontier DES used the Resolute Onyx platform with a new delivery system featuring improved catheter flexibility and a lower crossing profile.

Medtronic’s more deliverable drug-eluting stent gains FDA approval

According to Medtronic, the Onyx Frontier DES features improved catheter flexibility and a lower crossing profile.

May 13, 2022
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

CT-FFR before TAVR improves detection of coronary artery disease, limits invasive imaging exams

CT-FFR, which recently got a boost from the 2021 AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines, could play a key role for clinicians hoping to screen TAVR patients for coronary heart disease. 

May 11, 2022

Around the web

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

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."

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