CardioExchange Archive

September 20th, 2011

Significant Declines Observed in Cardiovascular Procedures Performed in Hospitals

Larry Husten, PHD

More evidence is starting to emerge that the overall volume of cardiovascular procedures in U.S. hospitals is in decline. The trend should come as no surprise to those who have been following news about cardiovascular medicine in recent years, as the field has been repeatedly struck by debate, scandal, and controversy related to the potential […]

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September 20th, 2011

Slow Spots in Transfer of Primary PCI Patients

Larry Husten, PHD

A new study in Circulation helps identify the precise causes for delays that occur when STEMI patients are transferred for primary PCI.

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September 15th, 2011

Xanthelasmata Identified as Independent CV Risk Factor

Larry Husten, PHD

In a large new study from Denmark, xanthelasmata (raised yellow patches around the eyelids) but not arcus cornae (white or grey rings around the cornea) was found to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In an article in BMJ, Mette Christoffersen and colleagues report on 12,745 adults in Copenhagen without cardiovascular disease at baseline who were […]

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September 14th, 2011

Meta-Analysis Finds Reduction in Stent Thrombosis with Everolimus-Eluting Stents

Larry Husten, PHD

Stent thrombosis and other complications are less likely to occur when an everolimus-eluting stent is used, according to a large new meta-analysis.

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September 14th, 2011

Study Sheds Light on Consequences of Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Larry Husten, PHD

Although bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequently occurring congenital heart defect, little is known about the long-term prognosis of people with BAV. Now a study published in JAMA shows that although affected people have a low overall rate of aortic complications, their risk is nevertheless about 8 times greater than the risk of those without BAV. Hector […]

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September 13th, 2011

HHS Announces Initiative to Prevent One Million Heart Attacks and Strokes

Larry Husten, PHD

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a campaign to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the next 5 years.

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September 12th, 2011

Global Monitor: Early Signs of Possible Problems with ICD Leads, Dabigatran

Larry Husten, PHD

Reports from Ireland and New Zealand may herald new concerns about Riata defibrillator leads (St. Jude Medical) and dabigatran (Pradaxa). A poster presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting last month by researchers at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast found that 15% of 212 patients who received Riata leads had an insulation breach on screening. The researchers reported that […]

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September 12th, 2011

Study Finds Risks and Costs Associated with Infection After Device Implantation

Larry Husten, PHD

A large new study has found significant risks and costs associated with infections following the implantation of CIEDs (cardiovascular implantable electronic devices), including ICDs, CRT-Ds, and pacemakers. In a paper published in Archives of Internal Medicine, Muhammad Sohail and colleagues analyzed Medicare data from more than 200,000 patients admitted for CIED implantation, replacement, or revision in 2007, including  5817 admissions with infection. Infection […]

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September 8th, 2011

FDA Advisory Panel Gives Yellow Light to Rivaroxaban

Larry Husten, PHD

The FDA Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee voted 9-2 (with 1 abstention) in support of rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Johnson & Johnson) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, but the vote did not represent a ringing endorsement of the drug. The committee wrestled throughout the day with the numerous concerns raised by FDA reviewers, […]

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September 7th, 2011

Medical Therapy Wallops Stenting for Intracranial Stenosis

Larry Husten, PHD

In recent years stenting for intracranial arterial stenosis has become widespread. Now, however, a trial testing the procedure has been terminated early, raising serious questions about both the safety and efficacy of the technique. In the SAMMPRIS (Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis) trial, which has now been published online […]

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