CardioExchange Archive

September 1st, 2013

Disappointing Results with Dabigatran for Mechanical Valves

Larry Husten, PHD

For more of our ESC.13 coverage of late-breaking clinical trials, interviews with the authors of the most important research, and blogs from our fellows on the most interesting presentations at the meeting, check out our Coverage Headquarters. Despite being more durable than bioprosthetic valves, mechanical heart valves are often not chosen because of the requirement for lifelong […]

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July 1st, 2013

New Anticoagulant Found Safe and Effective in Acute Venous Thromboembolism

Larry Husten, PHD

In a large clinical trial the new oral anticoagulant apixaban (Eliquis, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb) was at least as effective as standard therapy and caused fewer bleeding complications in patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). The results of the AMPLIFY (Apixaban for the Initial Management of Pulmonary Embolism and Deep-Vein Thrombosis as First-Line Therapy) trial are being presented today at […]

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June 24th, 2013

Roller Coaster Path to Approval for Eliquis Uncovered by FDA Documents

Larry Husten, PHD

After the presentation and publication of the pivotal ARISTOTLE trial,  the novel anticoagulant apixaban (Eliquis, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb) was widely expected to be  a blockbuster. But then it got bogged down at the FDA where initial hopes for a speedy approval were dashed after highly critical reviews. Approval of the drug was delayed for 9 months […]

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May 9th, 2013

Bruise Control: Continued Warfarin Beats Heparin Bridging During Device Implantation

Larry Husten, PHD

Many patients receiving an ICD or a pacemaker are already receiving oral anticoagulants. Current guidelines recommend replacement of the oral anticoagulant with the temporary use of heparin as a bridging strategy. Now a new study, BRUISE CONTROL (Bridge or Continue Coumadin for Device Surgery Randomized Controlled Trial), offers convincing evidence that this strategy is not […]

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February 25th, 2013

Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: February 25th

Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP

This week’s topics include extended use of apixaban, dabigatran, warfarin, or placebo in VTE, the 5-year follow-up of the SYNTAX study, and more.

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February 20th, 2013

New Studies Examine Prolonged Anticoagulation for VTE Recurrence

Larry Husten, PHD

Three studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine provide important new information about the risks and benefits of extended prophylaxis using two of the new oral anticoagulants in patients who have had venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the RE-MEDY and the RE-SONATE trials, the role of dabigatran was examined in patients who had completed at least 3 months […]

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January 22nd, 2013

How Will You PROTECT Your Patients with Nonvalvular Afib?

Eiman Jahangir, MD

For which patients is the Watchman left-atrial appendage closure device a better alternative to warfarin and other anticoagulant medications?

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January 17th, 2013

Revisiting Novel Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation

John Ryan, MD and Christian Thomas Ruff, MD, MPH

Two experts discuss the evolving landscape of novel anticoagulants for patients with AF. Do you agree with their perspectives? What questions do you have? What has your experience taught you?

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December 21st, 2012

A Look Back at 2012

CardioExchange Editors, Staff

CardioExchange invited several members and participants to give us a list of what they consider the top three most important developments in cardiology in 2012.  The same CardioExchange members offer predictions for 2013, which you can view here. Also, for comparison, check out last year’s predictions for 2012 to see which came to fruition. What would your choices have […]

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December 12th, 2012

AMPLIFYING Treatment for DVT/PE

John Ryan, MD

John Ryan reviews the latest data and suggests that DVT/PE be managed as a chronic condition. Are you using apixaban in these patients, and how long are you treating them for?

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