CardioExchange Archive

February 6th, 2013

Genetic Study Identifies Strong Links to Aortic Valve Disease

Larry Husten, PHD

A genetic component is believed to play an important role in valvular heart disease, but the specific genes involved have not been identified. Now an interntional group of researchers has identified genetic variations that increase the risk for valvular calcification. In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, members of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging […]

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July 16th, 2012

The Name Game: Why Did “TAVI” Suddenly Become “TAVR”?

Larry Husten, PHD

One of the great, unexplained mysteries of the cardiology world in recent years is the sudden name change from TAVI  (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), which had been the universally-used name for the procedure during most of its development period, to TAVR  (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) about the time when the procedure edged closer to U.S. approval. Now, in […]

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June 27th, 2012

Panel: Early Surgery for Infective Endocarditis

Larry M. Baddour, MD, Sabet W Hashim, MD and John E Brush, MD

Will findings from this trial of early surgery for infective endocarditis change your practice?

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May 2nd, 2012

CMS Issues National Coverage Decision for TAVR

Larry Husten, PHD

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued on Tuesday its national coverage decision (NCD) for  transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). As expected, CMS will offer reimbursement for TAVR, but only if a number of criteria are first met. The NCD was initially requested by the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Thoracic […]

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