American College of Cardiology President Edward Fry, MD, spoke about recent Medicare cuts at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference in Chicago. 

Contrary to older research that showed neuroimaging emerging as the single most dominating cost contributor in ischemic stroke care for older Americans, a new study shows treatment and other line items account for bigger slices of the bill.

The American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society issued a joint statement soon after CMS published its final rule for the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The groups warned that the final rule could threaten patient access to high-quality care. 

Physicians are now bracing for payment cuts after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its final rule for the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule.

Johnson & Johnson agreed to an upfront payment of $380 per share. Abiomed shareholders can also receive up to an additional $35 per share if certain milestones are met in the years ahead. 

The acquisition includes an initial investment of $35 million and an upfront closing payment of $200 million. By 2029, if the companies reach all targeted regulatory and commercial milestones, the acquisition could cost Cordis up to $1.135 billion in all.

“Once the study begins, it will likely be one of the largest heart pacing clinical trials happening in the world over the next few years," one specialist said. 

The group—which includes engineers, cardiologist, radiologists and other specialists—will attempt to perform a robotic-controlled left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) on a patient inside an MRI scanner.