Selected for nearly one of every two endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs globally, the Endurant AAA stent graft system from Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) maintained durable, consistent and proven outcomes through five years of follow-up in the company’s U.S. clinical study of the implantable medical device, according to new clinical data presented today at the Society for Vascular Surgery’s “Vascular Annual Meeting.”

A new guide helps healthcare professionals better understand and diagnose strokes of unknown cause. The free resource is part of an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association initiative in collaboration with Medtronic plc which aims to reduce the rate of recurrent strokes in the U.S.

Medtronic plc today announced the start of a new feasibility study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Valiant Mona LSA branch thoracic stent graft system, an investigational medical device designed to enable a completely endovascular solution for aortic aneurysms encroaching on the left subclavian artery (LSA).

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) for the prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who have had primary elective total hip replacement surgery. If approved, this will become the fourth indication for PRADAXA.

Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced the initiation of the SPYRAL HTN Global Clinical Trial Program, a unique, phased clinical program studying renal denervation in uncontrolled hypertension. This announcement follows investigational device exemption (IDE) approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The program will begin with two global studies designed to address the confounding factors encountered in the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 clinical trial, including medication, patient population and procedural variability, to ensure the clinical potential of the therapy is evaluated.

Ethicon today announced positive new data from the clinical development program for EVARREST Fibrin Sealant Patch. More than 92 percent of patients treated during aortic reconstruction surgery with Ethicon's EVARREST achieved hemostasis on the first attempt within three minutes and maintained hemostasis throughout the duration of the surgery, compared to 33 percent for those treated with Baxter's TachoSil patch and 46 percent for those treated with the standard of care, manual compression with or without an additional topical absorbable hemostat. The results of the Phase II study, as presented on Saturday at The Houston Aortic Symposium in Houston, TX, demonstrate the potential of EVARREST as an adjunctive hemostatic agent in this challenging setting.

Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Million Hearts initiative recognized 30 public and private health care practices and systems across the country as Hypertension Control Champions for their success in helping patients control high blood pressure.

To celebrate 50 years of research, the British Heart Foundation held a photography competition, showcasing biological imaging. The top prize and five finalists were announced Jan. 27.