Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

artificial intelligence robot evaluates healthcare data. Novo Nordisk announced a new collaboration with Valo Health, a healthcare technology company focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify new drug treatments for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

AI model for HCM, the first of its kind, gains FDA approval

The new-look AI model was designed to automatically evaluate ECGs for signs of HCM and send alerts to the care team when necessary. 

August 15, 2023
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new draft guidance designed to help applicants add clinically relevant information about QTc interval prolongation to the labeling of non-antiarrhythmic drugs

FDA highlights importance of including heart rhythm risks on drug labels

The agency has shared a new draft guidance focused on the inclusion of information related to QTc interval prolongation. 

August 10, 2023
fasting before tavr or ablation

Relaxed fasting instructions prior to TAVR, other heart procedures do not affect outcomes

Fasting before major operations has been common in healthcare for nearly 80 years, but that has started to change since the turn of the century. 

August 9, 2023
Boston Scientific’s POLARx Cryoablation System to treat atrial fibrillation gained FDA approval in August 2023. It is compatible with two balloon sizes, 31 and 28 mm to fit different sized anatomies.

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s new cryoablation system for AFib

The system includes an expandable cryoablation balloon catheter compatible with multiple balloon sizes. 

August 9, 2023

NFL player feeling thankful after AFib diagnosis: ‘I think it’s just the good Lord looking after me’

Tyler Shatley, a veteran offensive lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars, said he experienced symptoms for years before finally seeking a diagnosis. 

August 7, 2023
The ThermoCool SmartTouch SF catheter from Biosense Webster

FDA approves several Biosense Webster devices for fluoroscopy-free ablation procedures

Using these devices as part of a zero-fluoroscopy workflow, which replaces X-rays with an alternative modality such as ultrasound, limits radiation exposure and the use of burdensome protective equipment.

August 4, 2023
insurance

Expanding Medicaid linked to better care for heart patients

New research, based on data from approximately 143 million patients, focused on prescriptions for heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other significant cardiac conditions. 

August 3, 2023
GE Healthcare recall TruSignal SpO2 sensors

GE Healthcare recalls certain SpO2 sensors due to risk of serious errors during defibrillation

There is a risk of the devices sending a reduced amount of energy to the heart during defibrillation. More than 7,000 devices are being recalled due to this issue.

July 28, 2023

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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