CardioExchange Archive

In an unofficial survey of attendees, the most striking feature of this year’s AHA Scientific Sessions was how few attendees there were and how empty the exhibit hall was. The ARBITER study came in a somewhat distant second. With an official estimated total attendance (including exhibitors) just under 22,000, the meeting still drew a robust crowd, but well off of its highs (total attendance in 2006 was nearly 29,000, and it’s declined each year since). Maybe Orlando isn’t very exciting. Maybe it’s the economy. Maybe it’s that cardiology is splitting into subspecialties, each with their own meetings. Or maybe we just don’t need to physically gather in one place to exchange views and socialize new knowledge given what sites like theheart.org, Cardiosource, and–yes–CardioExchange can do.

Regardless of the attendance numbers, however, a lot of new and important information was presented at the meeting. And regardless of whether you attended or not, we hope you’ll find our coverage useful and our conversation lively.

One sad note before we summarize our coverage: The meeting ended in mourning as we learned about the untimely death of our colleague Ken Baughman. NEJM Senior Deputy Editor Tad Campion spoke for all of us in writing that Ken “exemplified excellence, dedication, and fine judgement in all he did.” We extend our sympathies to Ken’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Here’s our coverage:

What Role for Ezetimibe–You Be the Arbiter
We asked ARBITER lead author Allen Taylor the questions we thought were most important about this study, and there’s still time for you to ask your questions or add your perspectives–will you still use ezetimibe in practice? How? When? Why?

Cangrelor is No Clear CHAMPION in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Interventional Group Moderator Richard Lange hosts a discussion between lead CHAMPION investigator Robert Harrington and invited editorialist Adnan Kastrati. Listen in or join in.

On PACE to Maintain LV Function
The CardioExchange Editors ask questions of Cheuk-Man Yu, lead author of PACE–a multicenter, manufacturer-sponsored trial of right ventricular pacing versus cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with preserved LV function. Have your say on this issue.

Interventional Round-Up
Richard Lange offers his succinct take on 11 of the most interesting stories in interventional cardiology. Did you attend these sessions or others? We welcome you to post your comments.

More News from AHA
CardioExchange Associate Editor Susan Cheng offers some other quick takes from the meeting:

A Challenge To Uptitrate Losartan in Heart Failure
Continuous May Be Better Than Pulsatile Flow For Destination VADs
Intravenous Iron Therapy Improves Symptoms in Heart Failure
Early Data on Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Implantations
Ticagrelor in STEMI
Platelet Function Tests in Practice
Battling Depression Following CABG
Antiplatelet Therapy Following CABG
Primary PCI for STEMI At Hospitals With or Without Back-Up Cardiac Surgery
Lifetime Risk for SCD Higher in Men and Blacks
Early Repolarization in Inferior Leads Might Signal Trouble Ahead
Cardiovascular Outcomes Similar Between Aggressive and Restrictive Post-Operative Transfusion Strategies
New and Updated Results from BARI 2D