Coronary - CRTonline

Tracks

Coronary

Valve & Structural

Endovascular

Atherosclerosis

Imaging

Technology & Regulatory

Nurses & Technologists

TRACKS

Coronary

Valve & Structural

Endovascular

Atherosclerosis

Imaging

Technology & Regulatory

Nurses & Technologists
Coronary

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Measurements of Myocardial Strain Successfully Predict Adverse Events in General Population – UK Biobank Analysis

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT) of left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain metrics successfully predicted heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke and death in a new general population study of the UK Biobank.

Challenges Remain for Global Trans-fat Elimination Efforts in Preventing Coronary Heart Disease

Since accelerated global efforts to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans-fat (iTFA) began, 43 countries have adopted best practice regulations, protecting an additional 3.2 billion people against coronary heart disease (CHD). However, further incentives, accountability mechanisms and regional policies are needed to continue to build momentum and drive the goal of truly global iTFA elimination, experts warn.

Breaking News: Edwards Lifesciences to Acquire JenaValve and Endotronix

(BUSINESS WIRE) Edwards Lifesciences agreed to acquire JenaValve Technology and Endotronix on Wednesday, adding to their structural heart portfolio.

Psychosocial Stress is a Key Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor for Women: Review

To appropriately address gender inequities in cardiovascular health, cardiologists should recognize that psychosocial stress negatively affects cardiovascular health and is unequally distributed between men and women, a new review reports.

Coronary Matrix for LV Remodeling

Adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling remains a clinical challenge in patients sustaining a MI even in those receiving successful reperfusion. A randomized study of a bioabsorbable cardiac matrix in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI has not shown any benefits with this matrix nor did it lead to an improvement in clinical events at 6-month follow-up.

CardioTubeMore Videos »

ACC.16 - DANAMI 3 - iPOST- Third DANish Study of Optimal Acute Treatment of STEMI

ACC.16 - LATITUDE-TIMI 60 Trial

ACC16 PROMISE

ACC.16 - EARLY-BAMI- Early Administration of IV Beta Blockers in STEMI Patients Before Primary PCI

ACC16 STICHES Trial

In the News
More »

Valvular Heart Disease Rates Are High and Increasing in Older U.S. Adults: PREVUE-VALVE Study

Jun 16, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is widespread, and the number of patients with VHD is growing, heart experts say as they weigh in on the prevalence of VHD in older adults across the U.S.

Lifestyle Changes Tied to Long-Term Morbidity Reductions in Patients With Prediabetes, Experts Suggest

Jun 15, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study reveals a link between intensive lifestyle intervention and a lower long-term risk of multimorbidity in adults with prediabetes, with researchers noting that metformin shows no significant benefit compared with placebo.

Patients With vs Without MS Have Similar Complication, Death Rates After Cardiac Surgery: U.S. Study

Jun 10, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are not at higher risk for in-hospital death nor complications after undergoing cardiac surgery, a new U.S. national cohort study shows.

Similar Survival Rates Across Sexes After Mitral Valve Surgery, but More Recurring Regurgitation in Women

Jun 04, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Long-term survival after mitral valve surgery is similar between women and men once age and procedural differences are accounted for, although recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) remains more common in women, a new meta-analysis suggests.

Secondary Aspirin Use for CVD Prevention Is Stable, Improved With Physician Guidance: Midwest Study

Jun 04, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The use of aspirin as a secondary prevention method for cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains stable despite negative messaging in the media, a new cross-sectional analysis shows.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score of Zero Is Still Reassuring When Lp(a) Is High: Cohort Study

Jun 03, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero creates a low absolute risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events over 15 years even in people with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], according to an analysis that supports the continued use of calcium scoring.

Anticoagulation Monotherapy Reduces Bleeding and Cardiac Death in AFib With Coronary Disease

Jun 03, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Anticoagulation monotherapy alone may cut bleeding and cardiovascular death without increasing ischemic events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and atrial fibrillation (AF), new meta-analysis data shows.

Acute MI Patients Face Greater Device Failure Risk With Suboptimal Stent Deployment: Chinese Study

Jun 01, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New research suggests that patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) who receive a successfully implanted drug-eluting stent (DES) face a greater long-term risk of device failure when optical coherence tomography (OCT) reveals suboptimal stent deployment.

Angina Status Alone Should Not Determine PCI Before TAVI: NOTION-3 Substudy

Jun 01, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Angina symptoms at baseline should not be used alone to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) decisions in patients with severe aortic stenosis and clinically significant coronary artery disease undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), researchers suggest in a new analysis of the NOTION-3 trial.

Patients With Left Main or Right Coronary Artery Stenosis at Greater Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

May 28, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Specific anatomical site stenoses, such as the left main and right coronary artery (RCA), put patients at higher risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) versus patients with other types of coronary anatomy, a new study shows.

Not All Macros Are Equal: A Low-Fat, Low-Carb Diet From Quality Sources Improves Heart Health

May 26, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Health experts say diet quality matters as much as quantity when tracking macronutrients, and a low-fat, low-carb diet can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease when food content comes from healthy sources.

Multiarterial Grafting During CABG Is Not as Beneficial as It Once Seemed: Instrumental Variable Analysis

May 26, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The apparent long-term survival advantage of multiarterial grafting (MAG) over single arterial grafting (SAG) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) largely disappears when researchers apply an instrumental variable (IV) approach designed to address unmeasured confounding variables, a new analysis shows.

FLOW-CMD Registry Suggests Expanding Pool of Patients Evaluated for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

May 21, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) puts patients at greater risk for death, heart attack, repeat revascularization and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and patients with or without epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) should be evaluated for CMD, according to data from a new registry analysis.

Risks Lower in Evolut vs SAPIEN at 3-Year SMART Analysis in TAVI Patients With Small Aortic Annuli

May 20, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who receive the Evolut valve have significantly lower rates of clinical and subclinical thrombosis, as well as hemodynamic measures, compared with patients who receive the SAPIEN valve, 3-year results from the SMART trial show.

Fewer Adverse Events in TAVR Patients After FFR-PCI vs Angiography or Medical Therapy: Meta-Analysis

May 20, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided with fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) 1-year post-procedure, more so than angiography-guided PCI and optimal medical treatment (OMT), results from a new meta-analysis show.

Myocardial Bridging Independently Associated With Epicardial Spasms in Acetylcholine Testing

May 19, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Myocardial bridging (MB) is independently associated with epicardial spasm during standardized acetylcholine-based vasomotor function testing, according to a new database study.

Low Death Rates, Good Clinical Outcomes in Women and Men After M-TEER: REPAIR Trial

May 13, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Men and women have similar mortality rates and mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction 1-year after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) with the PASCAL system, data from the REPAIR study show.

Short-Term Medication Adherence Is Sustained in Patients With CAD, but Long-Term Strategies Are Needed

May 07, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) are adhering to high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in the short-term, 17-year data show, but long-term strategies are needed to promote continued medication use in these patients to prevent cardiac events like heart attack and stroke.

Women Have More Complications, Better Long-Term Survival After TAVI vs Men in 10-Year Analysis

May 06, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Fewer women are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and they have more complications after TAVI, but higher chances of long-term survival, compared with men, a new study comparing sex outcomes in TAVI shows.

Coronary Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation Linked to Residual Stroke Risk, Study Suggests

May 04, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who experience coronary embolism may represent a distinct, high-risk form of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), characterized by inferior long-term outcomes and substantial residual stroke risk despite anticoagulation, according to experts.

FFR Increase After PCI Could Add to Target Vessel Revascularization Prognostic Toolbox: Registry Study

May 04, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The relative increase in fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a comparative prognostic measure with PCI FFR taken immediately after stent implantation and can be a “complementary” tool, according to a new registry study.

Cold Laser Atherectomy Noninferior to Excimer Laser in Lower Limb PAD: Chinese Study

Apr 28, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A 355-nm cold laser atherectomy (CLA) system is noninferior to conventional 308-nm excimer laser atherectomy (ELA) for treating lower limb atherosclerotic stenosis and occlusion, with signals of benefit in long and complex lesions, according to new multicenter randomized trial data.

Conservative Strategy Noninferior to Systematic Side Branch Intervention in Bifurcation PCI: KISS Trial

Apr 28, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A conservative strategy without systematic side branch intervention is noninferior to systematic intervention in non-left main coronary bifurcation revascularization, with simpler procedures and fewer complications, according to data from the KISS randomized trial.

Leading Cardiologists Say Site Selection Can Improve Disparities in Clinical Trial Enrollment

Apr 28, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Representation of minority groups and women must be improved in cardiovascular clinical device trials, and targeted research site selection can help improve minority enrollment, experts show in a new study.

Australian Researchers Show Heart Attack Education Has Little Impact on Improving Early Care, EMS Use

Apr 27, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Community education about heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in high-risk areas does not improve emergency medical service (EMS) use nor early screening for ACS, a randomized trial shows.

Tribute to Dr. Eugene Braunwald, ‘Father of Modern Cardiology’

Apr 24, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Eugene Braunwald, MD, MACC, pioneer, inventor and world-renowned cardiologist, passed away on Wednesday. He was 96 years old.

Novel Sirolimus DEB Is Non-Inferior to Standard Care in ISR: SELUTION4ISR Trial

Apr 23, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A novel sirolimus drug-eluting balloon (DEB) is noninferior to a standard care control strategy for in-stent restenosis (ISR), consisting of approved drug-eluting stents (DES) or balloon angioplasty (BA), a new study finds.

Women’s Cardiovascular Risk Requires Earlier Identification, Review Suggests

Apr 20, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Women experience a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease despite often developing events later than men, according to a review of nearly eight decades of Framingham Heart Study findings.

PCI has Better QoL Effects vs OMT in Single CTO Patients: Post-Hoc Analysis

Apr 13, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Single chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) fared better in quality of life (QoL) and angina endpoints than those on optimal medical therapy (OMT), a new post-hoc analysis found.

Women With Kidney Failure Have Lower Survival Rates vs Men After Multiarterial Grafting in CABG: Retrospective Study

Apr 01, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Men have a better chance of long-term survival compared with women after left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafting plus multiarterial grafting (MAG) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with kidney failure, a new study shows.

IVUS- and Angiography-Guided PCI Have Similar Outcomes in High-Risk, Complex PCI: IVUS-CHIP Study

Mar 30, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Routine intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not lower the risk of target vessel failure (TVF) compared with angiography-guided PCI, results from a randomized clinical trial show.

Chinese Study Indicates IVUS-Guided PCI Improves Outcomes in Complex Bifurcation Lesions Plus DK Crush Strategy

Mar 30, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex bifurcation lesions treated with the 2-stent DK crush technique improves some outcomes in patients at 1-year compared with angiography-guided PCI, results from the DKCRUSH VIII trial show.

OPTIMAL Trial Data Challenge Current Guidelines for LM Coronary Disease Treatment: IVUS vs Angiography

Mar 30, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Intravascular-ultrasound imaging (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) yields similar outcomes compared with angiography-guided PCI in patients with left main (LM) coronary artery disease (CAD), results from the OPTIMAL trial show.

PRO-TAVI Trial Suggests Deferred PCI Until is Safe in High-Risk Patients With CAD Undergoing TAVI

Mar 29, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) significantly reduces bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and is noninferior to the standard of PCI before TAVI, data from the PRO-TAVI trial show.

Non-Wire FFR Strategy is Noninferior to Pressure-Wire FFR-Guided Revascularization in FAST III Trial

Mar 29, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who undergo vessel fractional flow reserve (vFFR)-guided revascularization have similar 1-year outcomes compared with patients who undergo pressure-wire FFR-guided revascularization, indicating the noninferiority of vFFR versus pressure-wire-guided FFR in the FAST III trial.

Novel FFRangio System is Noninferior to Standard Care in Coronary Physiology Assessment: ALL-RISE Trial

Mar 29, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Physiological assessment derived from angiographic images (FFRangio system) in patients with at least one intermediate coronary stenosis, who were considered for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is noninferior to a pressure-wire-based strategy at 1-year in the ALL-RISE trial.

CHIP-BCIS3 Trial Shows Microaxial Flow Pump Does Not Improve Outcomes in Patients With Severe LV Dysfunction

Mar 29, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

At 12-months follow-up, patients with severely poor left ventricular (LV) function and coronary artery disease who are undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) do not have better outcomes with elective LV unloading with a microaxial flow pump, results from the CHIP-BCIS3 trial show.

Patients With Heart Attacks Do Not Benefit From Delayed PCI, LV Support in STEMI-Door to Unload Trial

Mar 28, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Infarct size is not reduced, and there are more complications, in patients with anterior ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) without shock if they receive a combination of a trans-valvular micro-axial flow pump (TV-mAFP) plus delayed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus PCI alone, results from the STEMI-Door to Unload trial show.

LAAC Comparable to Anticoagulants in Patients With AFib: CHAMPION-AF 3-Year Results

Mar 28, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is noninferior to blood thinner medications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who qualify to receive anticoagulant therapy, results from the CHAMPION-AF trial show.

Diagnosing Plaque Erosion in Acute Coronary Syndrome is Challenging, but Improving: State-of-the-Art Review

Mar 26, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A state-of-the-art review spotlights plaque erosion in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS): How is erosion different from plaque rupture, how does imaging help with diagnosis and what’s lacking?

Addressing Unequal Access to Coronary Calcium Scanning Is Important for CVD Prevention, U.S. Researchers Urge

Mar 25, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to have coronary artery calcium (CAC) but less likely to undergo diagnostic scanning for the condition, a large multisite U.S. study found.

Major Bleeding Linked to Worse Outcomes, Higher Mortality Rates Post-LAAO: Amulet IDE Trial

Mar 25, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The risk of major bleeding (MB) after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is highest at 6-months post-LAAO but significantly decreases after 6 months, data from the Amulet IDE study show.

Premature Menopause Associated With Heightened Coronary Heart Disease Risk: Cohort Study

Mar 19, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Women with premature menopause have a 40% greater lifetime risk for developing coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiology research shows.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Delivers Lower Lifetime Costs vs Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for PE

Mar 10, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Treating intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with large-bore mechanical thrombectomy (LBMT) rather than catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) saves nearly $5,000 per patient over a lifetime horizon while delivering comparable or better outcomes, according to a new cost-effectiveness analysis.

Transfemoral Stenting in Severe Carotid Stenosis Halves Death and Stroke Risk vs Medical Therapy Alone: CREST-2 Trial

Mar 10, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Transfemoral stenting for severe carotid stenosis in addition to intensive medical management halved the risk of stroke and death over 4 years, and reduced post-procedural stroke risk by 75%, the CREST-2 study found.

Next-Gen Stents May Cut Strokes by More Than 30% Compared to CREST-2 First-Wave Stents

Mar 10, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Next-generation plaque-sequestrating micronet-covered stents (MCS) are superior to the first-wave carotid stents proven to reduce risk of stroke and death in the CREST-2 program, a new analysis of the CGUARDIANS and PARADIGM studies shows, potentially cutting risk of stroke by 30% in these patients.

Long-Term SOLVE-TAVI Analysis Points to Comparable TAVI Outcomes in Women and Men

Mar 09, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Women and men undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) show distinct baseline characteristics, but self-expanding and balloon-expandable valves deliver broadly comparable five-year outcomes across both sexes, according to results of the SOLVE-TAVI trial.

Dobutamine Does Not Reduce NT-proBNP, Decreases BP in Patients With AMI at Risk for Cardiogenic Shock: DOBERMANN-D

Mar 08, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are at risk of developing cardiogenic shock (CS) in the hospital after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) do not see a reduction in N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels from early dobutamine infusion, though systolic blood pressure (BP) does decrease.

Interleukin-6 Inhibition Reduces Inflammation, But Not Infarct Size, in AMI Patients at Risk of Cardiogenic Shock: DOBERMANN-T

Mar 08, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Early interleukin-6 receptor inhibition with tocilizumab safely suppressed systemic inflammation but did not reduce peak NT-proBNP or left ventricular infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at increased risk of cardiogenic shock (CS), new late-breaking trial data suggest.

Sirolimus-Eluting Balloon With Provisional Stenting Comparable to DES: SELUTION DeNovo Study

Mar 08, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The use of a sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB) with provisional stenting results in one-year outcomes that are comparable to systematic drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions, according to findings presented by Christian Spaulding, MD, PhD.

Clopidogrel Monotherapy Has Lower Risk vs Aspirin in Management of High-Risk Post-PCI Patients: Chinese Observational Study

Mar 08, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Clopidogrel monotherapy given during the chronic maintenance period after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stents (DES) carried significantly lower risk for high-risk patients compared with aspirin monotherapy, according to a new widescale Chinese study.

Cutting Balloon, Standard Balloon Before Abluminus Stent Implantation Have Similar Outcomes: CUT DRESS Trial

Mar 07, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Cutting balloon predilation prior to implantation of the Abluminus sirolimus-eluting stent did not improve minimum stent area or reduce neointimal hyperplasia compared with standard balloon predilation, according to new late-breaking trial data.

X1-FFR Imaging is an Effective Physiologic Assessment Tool in the Cath Lab

Mar 07, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

New clinical research data demonstrate how a wire-free, drug-free solution to angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (Angio-FFR), X1-FFR, can assist physiologic assessment in the catheterization laboratory in patients with angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis.

Angio-FFR Outcomes Comparable to Pressure Wire-Guided PCI According to Medicare Analysis

Mar 07, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Clinical outcomes for angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (Angio-FFR) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were similar to pressure wire (PW)-based assessment over 2 years, while neither added cost during repeated revascularizations, according to a new analysis of U.S. Medicare patients.

AGENT DCB Maintains Superiority Over Uncoated Balloon at 3 Years for In-Stent Restenosis in AGENT IDE

Mar 07, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Treatment with the AGENT paclitaxel-coated balloon sustained its superiority over conventional balloon angioplasty (BA) for the reduction of target lesion failure (TLF) at three years in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR), according to new follow-up data from the AGENT IDE trial.

Next-Generation IVL System Achieves High Success Rates in Disrupt CAD DUO IDE Study

Mar 07, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system that sends shockwave pulses at twice the speed of current technologies achieves high procedural success and low complication rates in patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease, according to a new study.

Orbital Atherectomy Comparable to Balloon Angioplasty for Calcified Coronary Lesions: ECLIPSE 2-Year Data

Mar 07, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

At 2-year follow-up of the ECLIPSE trial, patients who undergo orbital atherectomy (OA) do not have reduced rates of target vessel failure (TVF) compared with conventional balloon angioplasty (CBA) for the preparation of severely calcified coronary lesions.

SES Numerically, Not Statistically, Superior to ZES at 5-Years in SUGAR Study

Mar 07, 2026 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) saw a numerical improvement in target lesion failure (TLF) rates for diabetes mellitus (DM) at 5-year follow-up compared to a zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES) but did not maintain the 1-year statistical significance, the latest report from the SUGAR study shows.

Remembering Dr. Amir Lerman, Coronary Physiology and CMD Expert

Feb 25, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Amir Lerman, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, Professor of Medicine and clinical researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, passed away yesterday.

Radiation Exposure During Diagnostic Imaging for CAD Varies Between Regions: INCAPS 4

Feb 25, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Radiation exposure during diagnostic testing for coronary artery disease (CAD) varies significantly between regions of the world, a new study shows.

Index TAVR Optimization Should Target Redo Feasibility and Durability: Viewpoint

Feb 24, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Index transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures must preserve coronary access, enable predictable redo-TAVR and optimize durability as the therapy expands to younger patients, a new viewpoint argues.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment During Pregnancy Aids Prevention of CVD: Danish Study

Feb 18, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Pregnancy-derived cardiovascular risk indicators can help inform early management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in women, a new study suggests.

Cardiology Training Must Add Sex Differences to Improve Women’s Heart Care, Doctors Advise

Feb 17, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Cardiology training must urgently integrate sex as a biological variable to address long-standing gaps in women’s cardiovascular care, according to an article published in the Journal of American College Cardiology (JACC).

What’s Heating Up the Anticipation for CRT 2026

Feb 16, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) returns to the Washington Hilton Hotel Saturday, March 7, through Tuesday, March 10, in Washington, DC, for another year of premier interventional cardiology sessions, industry collaboration, late-breaking clinical research and more.

Diabetic Patients Have Better Outcomes With Prasugrel vs Ticagrelor Post-PCI: TUXEDO-2 Trial

Feb 11, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor is not noninferior to prasugrel in reducing negative clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes who also have multivessel disease, results from the TUXEDO-2 trial show.

PROMISE Substudy Reveals Association Between Plaque Levels and Adverse Events in Patients Without Known CAD

Feb 11, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The presence and volume of plaque in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a new substudy of the PROMISE trial shows.

CPR Rates Did Not Alter VA-ECMO Treatment Effect in ECLS-SHOCK, Reanalysis Shows

Feb 09, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The treatment effect of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) remained neutral across the full spectrum of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates in the ECLS-SHOCK trial, a new reanalysis of the trial data suggests.

Machine Learning Links Abdominal Aortic Calcification to Incident ASCVD: UK Biobank Study

Feb 09, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Automated abdominal aortic calcification scoring from routine bone density scans is independently linked to future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events, according to researchers.

AI-Enhanced ECG Exhibits Strong Accuracy for Identifying Coronary Disease

Feb 09, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based model, which learned to interpret routine 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), identifies clinically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients referred for invasive coronary angiography, according to a new study.

STEMI Patients at Greater Risk of Death With RV-PA Uncoupling: Retrospective Analysis

Feb 05, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling independently predicts death from all causes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a new post-hoc study shows.

Meta-Analysis Shows How EDI Programs Support Equity in Health Care

Feb 04, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A Canadian meta-analysis shows that equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in health care may be associated with greater workforce diversity and promote equity in the health care culture.

Breaking News: Medtronic Agrees to Acquire CathWorks

Feb 03, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

On Tuesday, Medtronic announced the potential acquisition of CathWorks in a press release. Medtronic intends to acquire CathWorks for $585 million.

Adding IVL to Conventional Prep Cuts Procedural Failure, Target Vessel Failure in Calcified Lesions

Feb 03, 2026 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Adding intravascular lithotripsy to conventional lesion preparation before stent implantation reduced the combined incidence of procedural failure or target vessel failure at 1 year in patients with severely calcified coronary lesions, according to results from the BALI trial.

IVL and Atherectomy Have Comparable Safety, Efficacy in ROLLING STONE Registry Study

Feb 02, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) and atherectomy (AT) devices have similar safety and efficacy profiles across all patients eligible for the procedures, an analysis of the ROLLING STONE registry shows.

Mayo Clinic Study Reveals Association Between CMD and HFpEF in Non-Obese Patients

Jan 27, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) without obesity have a higher prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) compared with obese patients, a report shows.

ORBITA-2 Trial: PCI Provides CAD Symptom Relief for All Ages With Exercise Gains Declining in Elderly Patients

Jan 27, 2026 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) provides meaningful symptom relief for patients with stable coronary artery disease across all age groups, according to a new study, which also found that improvements in exercise capacity diminish with age in this population.

Multicenter Analysis Shows Sex-Specific Thresholds for LV Dilatation in Patients With AR

Jan 21, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Sex-specific left ventricular (LV) dilatation cutoffs are needed to improve risk stratification in patients with moderate-severe aortic regurgitation (AR), a new study suggests.

Global Cardiology Leaders Address Environmental Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Health

Jan 20, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A special communication from the world’s leading cardiology associations states that addressing the causes of environmental stressors, such as pollution and climate change, will help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide.

Angio-IMR Is a Useful TVF Prediction Tool in Patients Undergoing PCI: FLAVOUR Trial Post Hoc Analysis

Jan 20, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Changes in the angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (or Δangio-IMR) can be used to predict target vessel failure (TVF) in vessels with intermediate coronary stenosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a new study reveals.

Breaking News: Boston Scientific Acquiring Penumbra, Inc.

Jan 15, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Boston Scientific Corporation agreed to acquire Penumbra, Inc. Thursday morning. This will expand Boston Scientific’s network of novel medical technologies.

The Stats Are In: Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in the U.S.

Jan 15, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A 2026 statistical review article by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that U.S. adults have increasing rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stroke and heart failure and decreasing rates of smoking cigarettes and heart attack deaths, pinpointing areas for improvement in cardiovascular disease treatment.

Mental Disorders Are Associated With Cardiovascular Health Risks: Review Article

Jan 14, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A meta-analysis indicates that individuals are at greater risk of developing acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) if they have depression, anxiety, traumatic disorders or sleep disorders.

Hypertension, Prediabetes Plus Myocardial Stress Elevate Risk of Heart Failure: Post Hoc Study

Jan 14, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Adults with high blood pressure along with prediabetes plus myocardial injury or stress are significantly more risk for developing heart failure (HF), a new post hoc analysis shows.

Can Public Reporting of Stroke Management Improve Patient Outcomes? Research Says Yes

Jan 12, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

According to a new cohort study, medical centers that publicly report outcome data are more likely to receive defect-free care and have improved outcomes at discharge from the hospital.

Hormonal Contraceptives May Influence Cardiovascular Health in Women With PTSD: Boston Study

Jan 08, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have more negative cardiovascular outcomes when taking hormonal contraceptives compared with women who have other stress-related disorders, a new study shows.

What Is the Best Risk Prediction Technique for Coronary Obstruction During TAVR?

Jan 08, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A new report outlines the discrepancies in the techniques used to measure virtual valve-to-coronary distance during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in prediction the risk of coronary obstruction.

New Analysis Shows Social Determinants of Health Influence Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Jan 07, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A U.S. study shows patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who live in low-income neighborhoods or have worse social determinants of health (SDOH) scores are more likely to have adverse clinical outcomes.

Swedish Study Shows Greater Number of CTOs Associated With Higher Mortality Rates in Patients With CAD

Jan 02, 2026 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The number of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly impacts long-term mortality rates, a new study shows. Patients with more CTOs have reduced long-term survival compared with patients who have fewer or no CTOs.

New ACC Statement Targets PAD Underdiagnosis and Amputation Risk in People With Diabetes

Dec 22, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is underdiagnosed in people with diabetes, while guideline-directed therapies remain underutilized, despite high rates of cardiovascular events and limb loss in this population, new American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidance warns.

Healthy Cholesterol Levels Improve Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Stents: CONNECT Post-Hoc Analysis

Dec 19, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering treatments help decrease the likelihood of developing neoatherosclerosis, including patients with coronary stents, a secondary analysis of the CONNECT trial shows.

Evolocumab Provides Stronger Heart Protection in Patients With Obesity, FOURIER Analysis Finds

Dec 15, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The cholesterol-lowering drug evolocumab may provide substantial heart-protective benefits in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Social Needs Impacting Health Influence Frequency of ER Visits and Inpatient Hospital Stays: Cohort Study

Dec 15, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Health-related social needs, such as the need for housing stability, food security or reliable transportation, are observed in many emergency department (ED) patients, a new study shows.

Heart Health Leaders Support Straightforward, Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling

Dec 11, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Clear and easily accessible nutrition information on food labels can improve diet and cardiovascular health, leading to healthier lifestyles and simplified conversations with medical professionals about what it means to “eat healthy.”

Untreated FFR-Positive Lesions Associated With More Events 3 Years After TAVR: NOTION-3 Data

Dec 09, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) of 0.80 or less is associated with nearly double the risk of cardiovascular events compared with revascularization, new data from the NOTION-3 trial show.

FFR is a Reliable Predictor of Post-Stent Implantation Revascularization

Dec 08, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Key measurements taken immediately after coronary stent implantation can predict patient outcomes for years to come, according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Heart Failure Rates in the U.S. More Than Double From 1988 to 2023

Nov 28, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The number of adult heart failure (HF) patients in the U.S. increased from 3.3 million to 7.4 million people over the past 40 years, a new analysis reveals.

Coronary Anchor Wire Enhances Precision in Complex BASILICA Case

Nov 26, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A novel coronary anchor wire technique improved leaflet traversal accuracy during balloon-assisted BASILICA in a patient with a protruding left main stent, preventing coronary obstruction in a high-risk valve-in-valve procedure, according to Australian investigators.

Men With High Blood Pressure During Adolescence at Greater Risk for Atherosclerosis in Adulthood

Nov 19, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Research shows high blood pressure (BP) in adolescence puts people at greater risk for developing coronary atherosclerosis — arterial plaque buildup — later in adulthood.

Population-Based Percentiles Offer New Framework for Communicating 30-Year Cardiovascular Risk

Nov 18, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Age- and sex-specific percentiles for 30-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are a complementary tool for risk communication by allowing younger adults to compare their predicted risk with peers, potentially motivating earlier preventive interventions, according to a new analysis of nationally representative U.S. data.

Women Experience Higher Mortality Despite Similar Hemodynamic Response to Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock

Nov 17, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Routine use of microaxial flow pump support in women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) related cardiogenic shock failed to demonstrate the same mortality rate decrease observed in men, though younger patients showed comparable treatment effects regardless of sex, according to a prespecified secondary analysis of the landmark DanGer Shock trial.

FDG-PET and Oxidative Stress Markers Could Predict Heart Complications in Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Nov 17, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Two key biomarkers identified and measured after steroid therapy can accurately predict future heart complications in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), suggests a new study.

Sirolimus-Eluting Balloon Sustains Efficacy Through 3 Years in Femoropopliteal Disease

Nov 12, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The SELUTION SLR sirolimus-eluting balloon maintained an 81.5% primary patency rate with minimal late catch-up phenomenon through 3 years in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal disease, marking the first published long-term data for a sirolimus drug-eluting balloon (DEB) in peripheral arterial intervention.

Swedish Researchers Propose Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography to Predict Coronary Events

Nov 09, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Investigators in a new study find that coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may be useful in primary prevention of coronary events.

NOAC Monotherapy Safe, Effective in Patients With AF Undergoing PCI With DES: ADAPT AF-DES Study

Nov 09, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) monotherapy is noninferior to combination therapy, NOAC plus clopidogrel, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), results from the ADAPT AF-DES trial show.

OPTIMA-AF Study Noninferiority of 1-Month vs 12-Month Dual Therapy After PCI for AFib

Nov 09, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Dual antithrombotic therapy for 1 month followed up with direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) monotherapy for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is noninferior to 12 months of therapy in all-cause death and thromboembolic events, results from the OPTIMA-AF trial show.

AngioFFR-Guidance Effective for Patients Undergoing CABG With Concomitant CAD: FAVOR-IV Trial

Nov 09, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Angio fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has significant clinical benefits compared with coronary angiography (CAG)-guided CABG in patients with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), a new study shows.

Elderly NSTEMI Outcomes Similar for Invasive and Conservative Approaches, Meta-Analysis Suggests

Nov 05, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new meta-analysis questions the long-held belief that an invasive strategy for patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) always provides superior outcomes.

CTO-PCI is Promising vs Medical Therapy in Older Patients With CAD: Observational Meta-Analysis

Nov 03, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A new meta-analysis shows that older adults may reap more quality of life (QoL) benefits when undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) instead of optimal medical therapy (OMT).

INVEST-CTO Trial Suggests Two-Stage PCI Strategy Improves Success in High-Risk CTOs

Oct 28, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Findings from the international INVEST-CTO study conclude that a two-stage strategy boosts outcomes in patients with high-risk chronic total occlusions (CTOs).

AI vs Humans Detecting Heart Attacks in the Emergency Setting: U.S. Registry Analysis

Oct 28, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Artificial intelligence (AI) based analysis of electrocardiograms (ECG) can better detect severe heart attacks in emergency settings than human analysis, according to a new multicenter US registry study.

TALENT Trial Shows SMT Supraflex Cruz is Noninferior to Boston Scientific SYNERGY Stent

Oct 28, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The Supraflex Cruz stent is noninferior to the SYNERGY stent in treating patients with de novo 3-vessel disease and chronic coronary syndrome, results from the TALENT study reveal.

iFR-Guided CABG Reduces Graft Occlusion by 65% at 3 Years: iCABG Data

Oct 28, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Using instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) to guide coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) significantly reduces graft occlusion at 3 years compared with angiography-guided surgery, with a 70% chance of graft failure when iFR exceeds 0.85, according to 36-month results from the iCABG trial.

Biodegradable Ultra-Thin Strut Supraflex Cruz Stent is Noninferior to Xience in TUXEDO-II Study

Oct 28, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A biodegradable‐polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent (BP-SES) with an ultra-thin strut, known Supraflex Cruz, was noninferior for target lesion failure (TLF) compared to the widely-used permanent everolimus-eluting stent (EES) Xience in diabetic patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD) at 1 year, India’s TUXEDO-2 randomized trial found.

Angina, Quality of Life Improve After Stratified Treatment for MINOCA: PROMISE Trial

Oct 28, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Angina status and quality of life is better in patients who have myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) after receiving stratified treatment for the disease, the PROMISE trial shows.

Immediate iFR-Guided PCI Not Superior to Deferred CMR in STEMI, MVD: iMODERN Registry

Oct 28, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Performing instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on non-culprit lesions during the initial revascularization procedure for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease (MVD) did not reduce major adverse cardiac events (MACE) versus deferred procedures at 3 years, the iMODERN randomized superiority trial found.

Randomized Trial ‘Closes Chapter’ on Plasminogen Activator Alteplase in Large Thrombus STEMI PCI

Oct 28, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The low-dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator alteplase did not reduce 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and large thrombus burden in a randomized trial, closing the chapter on the potential treatment option.

CABG Patients With Graft Failure Benefit More From SVG PCI vs Native Vessel PCI in PROCTOR Trial

Oct 28, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) results in improved 1-year clinical outcomes, compared with native vessel PCI, in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and graft failure, newly published data shows.

NOBLE 10-Year Results Show No Mortality Differences Between PCI vs CABG for Left Main CAD

Oct 27, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) yield similar long-term survival in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease, according to 10-year data from the NOBLE trial.

3-Year REC-CAGEFREE Results Report Sustained Inferiority of DCB vs DES for De Novo Coronary Lesions

Oct 27, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty with rescue stenting demonstrated inferior outcomes compared with upfront drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for de novo coronary artery disease (CAD) at 3-year follow-up, driven primarily by increased target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates.

Sirolimus-Eluting Iron Bioresorbable Scaffold Safe, Effective at 2 Years in IRONMAN II

Oct 27, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Sirolimus-eluting iron bioresorbable scaffold (IBS) is safe and effective for treating non-complex coronary artery disease, with benefits continuing at 2-years post-procedure, in the IRONMAN II trial.

OCVC-BIF Trial Reveals Role of DCBs in Preventing Side Branch Restenosis

Oct 27, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) significantly reduce restenosis in side branches of coronary bifurcation lesions when used in addition to main-vessel drug-eluting stents (DES), suggests a new trial presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2025 conference.

DynamX Bioadaptor Noninferior to Medtronic DES for Acute Coronary Syndrome: INFINITY SWEDEHEART Trial

Oct 27, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The Bioadaptor coronary implant maintains safe long-term outcomes, compared with contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES), for the treatment of clinically complex, high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), an analysis of the INFINITY-SWEDEHEART trial shows.

CRF Nationwide Analysis Shows Prevalence of Valvular Heart Disease in the U.S.

Oct 27, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is present in 4.7 million people in the U.S. and this number jumps up to 10.6 million when including people who have mild to moderate VHD, a new study shows.

No Short-Term DRT Improvements for Post-LAAO DOAC vs DAPT, But Possible Safety Improvement: ANDES Trial

Oct 26, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Oral anticoagulants failed to reduce the 60-day incidence of device-related thrombosis (DRT) in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) patients versus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the ANDES trial but oral anticoagulants may still be a “reasonable and likely safer antithrombotic strategy,” it was reported on Sunday at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2025.

Superior Right-Ventricular Recovery in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Pulmonary Embolism: STORM-PE Trial

Oct 26, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Mechanical thrombectomy with computer-assisted vacuum technology (CAVT) achieved a 2.3-fold greater reduction in right-ventricular strain compared with anticoagulation (AC) alone in patients with intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), new trial data suggest.

VICTORY Trial Suggests High-Pressure Balloons Are a Safe, Lower-Cost Option to IVL

Oct 26, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Super-high-pressure non-compliant balloons (NCB) are noninferior to intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for lesion preparation and stent expansion, suggests a new trial that enrolled patients with severely calcified coronary lesions undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

ShortCUT Trial Shows Cutting Balloon is Safe, Cheaper Than IVL for PCI Patients With Severely Calcified Lesions

Oct 26, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients who undergo imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severely calcified coronary lesions can safely receive cutting balloon angioplasty instead of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), results from the ShortCUT study show.

Sirolimus-Eluting Balloon is Non-Inferior to Standard Care for Coronary In-Stent Restenosis: SELUTION4ISR Trial

Oct 26, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A novel sirolimus-eluting balloon proved non-inferior to standard of care therapies for treating coronary in-stent restenosis, providing an effective alternative that avoids deploying additional stent layers, according to results from the SELUTION4ISR trial.

SELUTION Drug-Eluting Balloon Noninferior to Standard DES for PCI: SELUTION DeNovo Trial

Oct 26, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Use of the SELUTION drug-eluting balloon (DEB) and provisional drug-eluting stent (DES) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is non-inferior to systemically using DES, results from the SELUTION DeNovo trial show.

Zero Alcohol Consumption is Best for Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health: Longitudinal Analysis

Oct 22, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Even occasionally drinking alcohol increases blood pressure (BP), a new study shows. Scientists recommend zero alcohol consumption for the best cardiovascular health outcomes.

Italian Study Reveals Fewer Strokes With DAPT vs SAPT After Valve-in-Valve TAVI

Oct 09, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients who receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have lower rates of stroke 1 year after the procedure, but similar rates of major ischemic and bleeding outcomes, compared with patients who do not receive DAPT, according to a recent study.

Total Arterial Revascularization Improves Long-Term Survival Regardless of Age: Retrospective Analysis

Oct 08, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A study shows that both young and old patients experience long-term survival benefits after undergoing total arterial revascularization (TAR) for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Promising Outcomes in the Use of DCBs: Academic Research Consortium Review

Oct 06, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A state-of-the-art review reports drug-coated balloons (DCB) are useful in the treatment of several cardiovascular conditions, including in-stent restenosis (ISR), long lesions, bifurcations and more, but safety and efficacy are device-specific. More data are needed for the use of DCB in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Low CAC Score Still Carries Risk as Study Challenges Heart Screening Standard

Sep 29, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A low or zero coronary artery calcification (CAC) score does not rule out risk of sudden cardiac death, especially in younger people, according to a large autopsy study.

New Clinical Definition Broadens Scope of Obesity Classification Beyond BMI Score: Research Letter

Sep 25, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Different definitions of clinical obesity can help comprehensively identify individuals at-risk for cardiovascular disease, along with the standard body mass index (BMI) measurements, a research letter proposes.

Registry Study Analyzes Hemostatic Disorder to Help Predict Late Bleeding Risk in TAVR Patients

Sep 22, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

After transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), assessment of primary hemostatic disorder by examining the closure time of adenosine diphosphate (CT-ADP) can improve the stratification of bleeding risk for patients on top of the commonly used VARC-HBR criteria, a new study shows.

Danish Study Shows Elderly, Frail Patients With AMI and Cardiogenic Shock Have Higher Mortality Rates

Sep 18, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A retrospective, multicenter analysis demonstrates how frailty and age independently predict death in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS).

Prediction Models Misguide Risk Estimates When Calibration Is Off: Research Letter

Sep 17, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Missing proper calibration in medical prediction models can cause misrepresented and misguided risk estimates for patients, a research letter suggests, thus degrading model performance.

AI-Led CT Finds Detectable Plaques in ‘Majority’ of Asymptomatic Patients in MiHEART, But Is This the Full Picture?

Sep 16, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The majority of asymptomatic subjects in the MiHEART (Miami Heart Study) had plaque detectable by artificial intelligence–guided quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (AI-QCT), though the number was far less in human assessment.

DES Have Higher 3-Year Patency vs DCB for FPA Disease Patients, But No Significant Clinical Benefits: Japanese Registry Study

Sep 12, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have a significantly higher primary patency versus drug-coated balloons (DCB) over 3 years for patients with femoropopliteal artery (FPA) disease, according to a new Japanese study.

5-Year Risk with Next-Gen BRS ‘Comparable’ to CoCr Stent: NeoVas Trial Follow-Up

Sep 09, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The 5-year risk associated with the NeoVas bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) versus cobalt chromium (CoCr) everolimus-eluting stents (EES) is comparable in a new randomized trial, despite previous signs of greater hazard with the BRS.

Functional Assessment Outperforms Anatomical Evaluation in Predicting Outcomes for Valve Surgery Patients With CAD

Sep 09, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Patients with functional incomplete revascularization (ICR) show nearly twice the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to complete revascularization (CR), supporting the use of functional assessment to guide revascularization decisions, new research suggests.

Coronary Calcium Study Finds IVL Causes Fewer Vessel Injuries Than High-Pressure Balloons

Sep 08, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study concludes that intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) may offer safer and more effective plaque modification than traditional balloon-based techniques in patients with heavily calcified coronary arteries.

Aspirin Plus Ticagrelor Not Superior to Aspirin Alone After CABG for ACS: TACSI Trial

Sep 01, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor plus aspirin does not improve rates of death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or repeat revascularization compared with aspirin alone in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), results from the Swedish TACSI trial show.

Cangrelor Shows Clinical Benefits vs Ticagrelor for AMI Patients in DAPT SHOCK AMI Study

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with acute myocardial infarcation (AMI) and cardiogenic shock, intravenous cangrelor gives immediate, effective platelet inhibition and lowers mortality rates compared with crushed tigacrelor, the DAPT-SHOCK-AMI study shows.

Low-Risk AMI Patients Have Less Bleeding Using 12-Month P2Y12 Inhibitors vs DAPT: TARGET FIRST Trial

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy was noninferior to 1 month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in low-risk patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), according to new data from the TARGET FIRST trial.

Tailored DAPT Inferior to Standard 12-Month DAPT in High-Risk PCI Patients: TAILORED-CHIP

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

No benefits come from tailoring the intensity of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in high-risk patients after undergoing complex stenting, the TAILORED-CHIP trial reveals, indicating that the standard 12-month DAPT regimen remains the best way to manage these patients.

NEO-MINDSET Study Shows P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Not as Protective as DAPT After PCI

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy is not noninferior to dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes (ACS), according to final results from the NEO-MINDSET trial.

3-Month DAPT as Safe as 12-Month DAPT After Heart Attack: U.K. Study

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

DUAL-ACS researchers show that patients who receive 3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after experiencing a heart attack have no differences in all-cause death and have lower rates of major bleeding compared with those who are on DAPT for 1 year.

SWEDEPAD Trial Shows Coated, Uncoated Devices Have Similar Outcomes in PAD Patients

Aug 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Quality of life (QoL) nor the risk of amputation improve in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who receive drug-coated stents or balloons versus uncoated devices, an analysis of the SWEDEPAD trials shows.

CTA, Stress Testing Have Similar 10-Year Death Rates in Patients With Suspected CAD: PROMISE Follow-Up

Aug 27, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A long-term follow-up analysis of the PROMISE trial shows that stress testing in stable patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) does not affect all-cause or cardiovascular (CV) death at 10 years.

Study Reveals PCI Guidance by FFR or IVUS Yield Similar Survival and Heart Attack Rates

Aug 18, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests that fractional flow reserve (FFR) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) produce similar long-term patient outcomes in people with intermediate coronary stenosis.

P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Superior to Aspirin Following Short DAPT in ACS, Questions Remain for Treatment Duration

Aug 14, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy is the preferred strategy over aspirin following shortened dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a comprehensive analysis that could reshape clinical decision-making — though experts caution that the "sweet spot" for optimal treatment duration remains elusive.

CSR Implants Safe and Feasible for RA, but Bigger RCTs Are Crucial: Meta-Analysis

Aug 14, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Coronary sinus reducer (CSR) implants are safe and feasible with promising effects for refractory angina (RA) patients, and need bigger randomized trials to confirm the potential benefit, according to a new meta-analysis.

DCB Improved Outcomes for Multilayer ISR Patients Versus Uncoated Balloon: AGENT IDE Analysis

Aug 11, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Treating multilayer in-stent restenosis (ISR) with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) leads to significantly improved outcomes versus an uncoated balloon in a new analysis of the AGENT IDE trial.

Coronary CTA Could Cut Drug Development Costs in Heart Disease, Review Suggests

Aug 04, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) plaque imaging could serve as a surrogate biomarker to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of drug development for coronary artery disease (CAD), say researchers.

Women at Greater Genetic Risk for Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Study Concludes

Jul 28, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study looking into the sex-based differences in the genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) identifies desmoplakin (DSP) gene variants as a key risk factor in women.

Pregnancy-Specific Factors Influence Comorbidities, Outcomes in Women With Cardiogenic Shock: Database Analysis

Jul 23, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Pregnancy-specific factors contribute to the development and complications of cardiogenic shock, as well as outcomes, a new national analysis proposes.

Women Have More Symptoms Before, Worse Mortality Rates After Aortic Root Replacement: Multicenter Study

Jul 22, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A new analysis demonstrates how pathology and sex differences influence survival outcomes in patients undergoing aortic root replacement (ARR), with women having more symptoms pre-procedure and worse outcomes post-procedure compared to men.

Nearly Half of Elderly SAVR Patients Undergo Concomitant Procedures, Higher Mortality: CMS Analysis

Jul 21, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Nearly 50% of elderly patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) receive concomitant procedures, with those requiring combined valve and coronary interventions facing 5-fold higher 30-day mortality and dramatically worse long-term outcomes, according to a comprehensive Medicare database analysis.

Worse Outcomes for PCI Deferral in Physiology-Discordant Intermediate Coronary Lesions vs Concordant Physiology: Meta-Analysis

Jul 16, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with discordant fractional flow reserve (FFR) and nonhyperemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) leads to worse long-term outcomes versus PCI deferral in patients with concordant physiology in a new meta-analysis of almost 10,000 intermediate coronary lesions.

FFR and iFR Pullback Gradients ‘Overestimate’ PCI Benefits, SERIAL Researchers Warn

Jul 16, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) pullback gradients overestimate the benefit of target lesion percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and can miss residual ischemia in one-third of patients, according the UK-based SERIAL trial.

POPCORN Registry Trial Suggests Drug-Coated Balloons are Effective in High-Risk Dialysis Patients

Jul 16, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) therapy is a viable and effective treatment for femoropopliteal artery disease in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), according to a new study.

Position Paper Urges Rethink of “Vulnerable Plaques” in Imaging Review

Jul 07, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new position paper is calling for an updated definition of high-risk plaque in coronary artery disease, as researchers highlight the need to move beyond the decades-old focus on rupture-prone lesions.

Worse Outcomes in Young Myocardial Infarction Survivors From Marginalized Neighborhoods: Cohort Study

Jul 02, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Young survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at greater risk of poor outcomes if they live in a marginalized neighborhood, a new study shows.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Model Expands Health Equity for Asian, Hispanic Populations

Jun 25, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Use of the Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Events (PREVENT) equations predicts risk of CVD in diverse Asian and Hispanic subgroups, enhancing equity in CVD risk prediction, a new retrospective study finds.

Microaxial Flow Pump Provides Early Left Ventricular Unloading in STEMI-Related Cardiogenic Shock

Jun 23, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Early placement of a microaxial flow pump (mAFP) provides significant left ventricular unloading in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) by reducing native cardiac output (CO), pulmonary pressures and filling pressures while maintaining cardiac power output (CPO), according to new analysis of the DanGer Shock trial.

Magmaris Mg BRS Shows Favorable Long-Term Safety Profile, TLR Events Clustered Early-On in MAGSTEMI Trial

Jun 23, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The Magmaris magnesium (Mg)-based sirolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) demonstrates a favorable safety profile in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients at 5 years, the MAGSTEMI study shows.

Coronary CT Angiography May Improve Diagnostics vs Cardiovascular Risk Scoring: SCOT-HEART 2 Substudy

Jun 19, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Lifestyle behaviors improve, patients are more accepting of preventative therapies and risk factors are modified when coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography is used, compared with cardiovascular risk scoring, in treating cardiovascular disease, a cohort substudy shows.

Older PCI Patients at Greater Risk, Frailer Patients Even More So: Registry Study

Jun 16, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Frailty is common in older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the US, with a “clear gradient of increasing risk” based on frailty status, according to a new registry analysis of more than 1.3 million patients.

Long-Term Study Links COVID-19 With Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Jun 16, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have long-term reduced stress perfusion, indicative of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and reduced left ventricular (LV) function, compared with healthy patients, a new case-control study shows.

ACPMDs Devices Increase Success Rates in Complex Coronary CTO Procedures

Jun 10, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New research has found that using advanced calcific plaque modification devices (ACPMDs) significantly improves outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with severe calcification.

Study Finds Fewer Clots, Less Bleeding With Low-Dose DOAC Post-Watchman Device

Jun 09, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Watchman device may experience a significantly lower risk of early device-related thrombus (DRT) when managed with low-dose direct oral anticoagulation (LD-DOAC) compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Study Finds Complete Revascularization Associated With Better Outcomes in Heart Attack Patients

Jun 05, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests complete revascularization (CR) is linked to significantly improved outcomes in the treatment of patients who experience heart attack with multivessel disease (MVD).

Coronary Function Testing Safe, Effective, Improves Quality of Life in ANOCA Patients: ILIAS-ANOCA Trial

May 22, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

PARIS – Patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) can be safely and feasibly given routine ad-hoc coronary function testing (CFT) during invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to results from the ILIAS ANOCA trial.

Combined Registry Study Finds PCBs vs SCBs Demonstrate Similar 2-Year Outcomes in Patients With CAD

May 22, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Research comparing paclitaxel and sirolimus-coated balloons (PCB and SCB), used in coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment, finds similar outcomes between the two balloons with respect to MACE at 2-years follow-up.

CMD Associated With Persistent Angina, Reduced Quality of Life in PCI Patients

May 22, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

An international study suggests that coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major contributor to residual angina and reduced quality of life in patients who undergo successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

FFR and IVUS Show Similar Long-Term Outcomes in Coronary Stenosis Trial

May 22, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided treatment and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided treatment for intermediate coronary stenosis result in similar long-term clinical outcomes, a new study shows.

FFR-Guided Angiography Improves Outcomes in Patients With CAD and Severe AS: FAITAVI Study

May 21, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

PARIS – Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS) who undergo fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have fewer major adverse cardiac and cerbrovascular events (MACCE) at 12-months compared with those who undergo angiography-guided PCI, a new study shows.

Xcience DES, Absorb BVS Have Similar Outcomes in Final Results from COMPARE-ABSORB Trial

May 21, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

PARIS – The bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) Absorb and Xience drug-eluting stent (DES) show similar clinical outcomes at 7-year follow-up in the final results from the COMPARE-ABSORB trial.

EMPOWER CAD Shows Promising 30-Day Results for Women With Calcified CAD

May 20, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

PARIS – A 30-day analysis of the EMPOWER CAD trial demonstrates that the Shockwave coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) device is effective in the treatment of women with coronary artery disease (CAD) and calcified lesions.

Lithotripsy for PCI of Severely Calcified Lesions Superior to Conventional Methods: BALI Study

May 20, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Using intravascular lithotripsy as a preparation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on severely calcified lesions reduces procedural and target vessel failures at 1 year without increasing risk, according to the international BALI trial — the first to support routine lithotripsy use for these patients.

Immediate Multivessel PCI Outshines Culprit-Only PCI in Patients With STEMI, Cardiogenic Shock: DanGer Shock Substudy

May 20, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

PARIS – In patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular (LV)-failure cardiogenic shock, immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with reduced mortality at 6 months, a substudy of the DanGer shock trial shows.

Study Shows Ultrasound Imaging May Reduce Unnecessary Coronary Stenting in Patients Undergoing TAVR

May 13, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New insights from a multicenter European study demonstrate that intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can safely and effectively guide decisions to avoid unnecessary coronary stenting during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Retrograde Approach Enhances CTO-PCI Success in Distal Cap Bifurcations, Study Finds

May 13, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Japanese researchers suggest that complex cases of chronic total occlusion (CTO) with bifurcation at the distal cap can be treated successfully using refined strategies, especially with use of the retrograde approach.

DSE-Detected Ischemia Predicts PCI Efficacy: ORBITA-2 Data

May 07, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The degree of ischemia detected on dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) strongly predicts the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a new analysis from the ORBITA-2 trial.

‘Modest’ Decline in Contrast During PCI, Focus on AKI Prevention

May 06, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Contrast volume used during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has shown a consistent but modest decline between 2018 and 2022, with less contrast used in patients at higher risk for acute kidney injury (AKI), according to a new analysis of national registry data.

Updated AHA/ACC Performance Measures Advance Care for Chronic Coronary Disease Patients

May 05, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A comprehensive new set of performance and quality measures for chronic coronary disease (CCD) will enhance the care of millions of patients through standardized metrics, according to a joint report from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Study Defines Two-Year Risk Window for Predicting Heart Attacks

Apr 30, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Researchers leading an international study identify a two-year window in which specific characteristics of coronary artery plaques can most accurately predict the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Heart Complications Nearly Halved With Optimized Stent Use: OCTIVUS Trial Secondary Analysis

Apr 30, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Achieving optimal stent placement during heart procedures significantly improves patient outcomes, according to a new study.

Study Links Spontaneous Heart Attacks to Declines in Long-Term Quality of Life

Apr 28, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New findings from the ISCHEMIA trial suggest that spontaneous heart attacks significantly reduce patients' quality of life (QoL) both immediately and long after the event.

Newer-Generation DES With Repeat Revascularization Associated With Chronic Stent Recoil: Single-Center Study

Apr 24, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients treated with second- or newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) who require repeat revascularization, one-fifth of patients have chronic stent recoil, a new study shows.

Patients With NSTEMI and Elevated Baseline hsCRP Are at Greater Risk for Cardiovascular Events

Apr 23, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

According to a sub-analysis of the PROSPECT II trial, patients with recent non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and high baseline levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are more likely to have pan-coronary atherosclerosis and focal high-risk plaques.

LM SCAD Patients Benefit from Early Revascularization, Pooled Analysis Finds

Apr 14, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Early revascularization for patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) involving the left main coronary artery (LM) improves outcomes for these high-risk patients versus medical therapy in a new pooled analysis of published cases.

Commission Calls for Action on Preventing Atherosclerotic CAD

Apr 04, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

In the interest of disease prevention and risk stratification, a global shift from the emphasis on ischemia to emphasis on atherosclerosis is needed in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD), a new Commission in the Lancet proposes.

Balloon Angioplasty Guided by IVI Before Stent Implantation Effective for Severely Calcified Lesions: ECLIPSE Trial

Mar 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

At 1-year, minimal stent area does not increase, and target vessel failure does not decrease, with the use of routine orbital atherectomy pre-drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation compared with using a balloon angioplasty approach in patients with severely calcified lesions, the ECLIPSE trial shows.

EKSTROM Trial Shows Reduction of Plaque Volume Progression in Patients With CAD Taking Colchicine

Mar 31, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who receive colchicine have lowered total plaque volume 1-year post-coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) compared with placebo, and both treatments have similar amounts of low attenuation plaque, a new analysis shows.

Clopidogrel Tops Aspirin in Monotherapy Post-PCI: SMART-CHOICE 3 Trial Results

Mar 30, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients at high-risk for ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who take clopidogrel post-procedure have significantly better outcomes than patients who take aspirin, new data from the SMART-CHOICE 3 trial show.

FAME-3 Trial 5-Year Data Demonstrate Similar Outcomes in PCI vs CABG for 3-Vessel CAD

Mar 30, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with 3 vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) have similar outcomes in the composite of death, stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) when undergoing fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), 5-year results from the FAME-3 trial show.

IVUS, FFR During PCI Have Similar 12-Month Clinical Outcomes: FLAVOUR II Trial

Mar 30, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance is noninferior to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance regarding 12-month clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), data from the FLAVOUR II trial shows.

HOST BR Trial Shows 3-Month DAPT Superior to 1-Month in HBR Patients, Noninferior to 12-Months in LBR Patients

Mar 29, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients at high bleeding risk (HBR), 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is superior to 1-month DAPT with similar bleeding risk, and 3-month DAPT is noninferior to 12-month DAPT, and had significantly lower bleeding risk, in patients with low bleeding risk (LBR), a new study shows.

No MACE Differences in Women With INOCA Receiving Intensive Medical Therapy vs Usual Care: WARRIOR Trial

Mar 29, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The first occurrence of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or hospitalization for worsening angina or heart failure (HF) is not reduced by intensive medical therapy (IMT), compared with usual care (UC) in women with suspected cardiac ischemia without obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA), data from the WARRIOR trial show.

New Assessment Improves Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing PCI

Mar 24, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New research reveals the development of a novel assessment tool that accurately predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for true bifurcation lesions.

DanGer-Shock Analysis Shows Similar Mortality Rates in Non-Arrested Cardiogenic Shock Patients Across Trials

Mar 24, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock without prior cardiac arrest show similar mortality rates when treated with standard care across multiple mechanical circulatory support (MCS) trials, including the recent DanGer-Shock trial, according to a new post-hoc analysis of randomized trials.

IVL Safe, Effective in Treating Patients With ACS: ACC NCDR Analysis

Mar 21, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A large, real-world study shows that intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is safe and effective in treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Smokers Are at Greater Risk of Death, MI After PCI With DES: DECADE Analysis

Mar 20, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation who are smokers at baseline are at greater risk of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stent thrombosis (ST) compared with non-smokers, but are at lower risk of repeat revascularization, a long-term pooled analysis shows.

Marijuana Use Linked to Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Mar 18, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

People who use cannabis are at a significantly greater risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, a new retrospective study shows.

PEERLESS Registry Shows Safety, Efficacy in Large-Bore Thrombectomy for PE

Mar 11, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Data from the PEERLESS registry cohort suggests that large-bore mechanical thrombectomy (LBMT) is safe and effective for intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients unable to receive thrombolytics.

Results of Auryon BTK Study Show Positive Outcomes for Use of Auryon 355-nm Laser to Treat Patients With CLTI

Mar 11, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

In addition to a high rate of freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) experience several improvements in quality-of-life measures when treated with the Auryon Laser Atherectomy System for infrapopliteal arterial disease.

Post-TAVR Evolut FX, FX+ for Coronary Access Most Successful in Left Coronary Artery: EPROMPT Registry Analysis

Mar 10, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The use of the Evolut FX, FX+ post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) coronary access is more often successful for the left coronary artery (LCA) than the right coronary artery (RCA), the EPROMT-CA study results show.

CRABBIS Trial Compares Stenting Techniques in PCI

Mar 10, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

The proximal-optimization-technique (POT)+kissing-ballooninflation+final POT (PKP) ballooning sequence is associated with better stent configuration compared with the POT+isolated-SB-dilation+final POT (PSP) during stepwise provisional stenting in left main or large bifurcations, results from the CRABBIS trial show.

Laser Atherectomy Enhances Stent Expansion in Resistant Patients: LASER-EXPAND Trial

Mar 10, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Results of the LASER-EXPAND trial suggest that combining laser atherectomy with high-pressure balloon dilatation significantly improves stent expansion compared to high-pressure dilatation alone.

Crushing Ticagrelor Makes No Difference in Platelet Activity for PCI Patients Receiving Fentanyl

Mar 10, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Crushing ticagrelor made no significant differences in platelet reactivity when administered with fentanyl to patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the single-center FACT PCI trial.

BVD Linked to Worse Clinical Outcomes in Retrospective Study

Mar 09, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is associated with a significant increased risk of poor clinical outcomes regardless of aortic valve replacement therapy and annular size, according to a new retrospective analysis of clinical and observational trial data.

Cryotherapy Safe for Vulnerable Coronary Plaques in POLARSTAR Patients With Early Efficacy Signals

Mar 09, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Cryotherapy proved safe for vulnerable coronary plaque stabilization in an preliminary analysis of the POLARSTAR study, with early signs of plaque volume reduction and a positive impact on epicardial conductance.

Single Antiplatelet Therapy a ‘Viable Alternative’ to DAPT at Discharge After Amulet LAAO

Mar 09, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Discharging patients on an oral anticoagulation (OAC) or a reduced antithrombotic regimen, such as single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) following Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) implantation, may be a viable alternative to the current dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen, new data suggests.

Regional ECMO Program Demonstrates Promise for Addressing Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Mar 08, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New findings point to the influential role of a regional extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) program in increasing survival rates for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Site-to-Site Differences in Treatment Times Significantly Impact Patient Outcomes: GWTG-CAD Registry

Mar 08, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

For patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), there is substantial site-level variability in achieving target treatment times and therefore a significant impact on clinical outcomes, new registry data analysis shows.

Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Similar to DES in Treating Elderly Patients with CAD, Study Finds

Mar 08, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Research comparing sirolimus-coated balloons (SCB) with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) in elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) found similar clinical outcomes between the two interventions over a two-year follow-up period.

DCBs More “Appealing” than DES for Large Vessel CAD, Meta-Analysis Finds

Mar 08, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Drug Coated Balloons (DCB) are an “appealing treatment option” for large vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) with similar target lesion revascularization (TLR) and other cardiovascular outcomes during mid-term follow-ups compared with drug eluting stents (DES), according to a new meta-analysis.

Intravascular Lithotripsy Safer than Atherectomy Devices at 12-Months: ROLLING STONE

Mar 08, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has better 12-month safety outcomes compared with atherectomy devices (AT) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in calcified coronary lesions, according to new data from the ROLLING STONE Registry.

RADPAD Sheild Provides Extra Protection Against Radiation in Cardiac Cath Lab: ATTENUATE Trial

Mar 08, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

WASHINGTON, DC – Operators who use the RADPAD radiation protection shield in a contemporary cardiac catheterization lab have significantly reduced radiation exposure compared with operators who do not use the RADPAD shield, data from the ATTENUATE trial shows.

Prevail DCB Compares Favorably with Other DCBs: Swedish Study

Mar 08, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New findings that assess the real-world usage of the Prevail drug coated balloon (DCB) compared to other contemporary DCBs point to a device that offers comparable clinical outcomes over a two-year period.

AGENT DCB Maintains Improved TLF vs Balloon Angioplasty at 2-Years: AGENT IDE Trial

Mar 08, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The AGENT drug coated balloon continued to reduce target lesion failure rates for in-stent restenosis patients versus uncoated balloons over an extended 2-year follow-up period in the AGENT IDE trial.

New Fluoroscopic Method May Enhance Impella Pump Positioning and Patient Outcomes

Feb 25, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study highlights a novel fluoroscopic approach that could optimize the positioning of the Impella microaxial flow pump, reducing complications and improving outcomes for critically ill patients.

Novel Microvascular Resistance Reserve Index May Be Useful Prognostic Marker in Heart Transplant Patients

Feb 25, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Impaired microcirculatory function, determined by microvascular resistance reserve index early after heart transplantation, is associated with increased risk for death or acute cellular rejection, regardless of epicardial coronary artery stenosis or elevated microcirculatory resistance, new patient data suggests.

IVUS-Guided PCI Optimization in Low Post-PCI FFR Failed to Significantly Reduce TVF at 3-Year FFR REACT Trial Follow-Up

Feb 25, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) optimization of low post-procedure fractional flow reserve (FFR) values was associated with a clinically relevant but statistically nonsignificant 42% reduction in target vessel failure (TVF) compared with standard of care at 3-year follow-up in the FFR REACT trial.

SWEDEHEART Data Shows IFR and FFR Have Comparable MACE in Real-World Clinical Settings

Feb 25, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Coronary revascularization guided by instantaneous wave-free ratio or fractional flow reserve had similar outcomes with no discernible differences in major adverse cardiovascular events or any of its individual components or differences in mortality related to cardiovascular, cardiac or coronary artery disease, according to new data from the SWEDEHEART National Registry.

Measuring Guidewire Friction for Retrieving High-Pressure in PCI

Feb 21, 2025 by
Jeanne Burke, CRTonline.org

Researchers find that a couple guidewires — BMW (Abbott) and Grand Slam (Asahi Intecc) — require less force to retrieve the OPN-NC balloon during super-high-pressure balloon percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

SGLT2i Potentially ‘Disease Modifying’ in Aortic Stenosis, Observational Study Concludes

Feb 21, 2025 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may slow the progression of non-severe aortic stenosis (AS), according to a new retrospective observational study in more than 11,500 patients.

Groundbreaking Study Uncovers CAD Patterns Characterizing FFR/iFR Measurement Discordance

Feb 21, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study provides fresh insights on the physiological patterns influencing discordance between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) in coronary artery disease (CAD).

SIBLINT-ISR Trial Shows Noninferiority of Sirolimus- vs Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for In-Stent Restenosis

Feb 19, 2025 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A new sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB) is noninferior to a paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) at 9-month follow-up and similar 1-year clinical events, a new study shows.

Optimizing Coronary Stent Expansion: Review Suggests New Algorithm for PCI Success

Feb 10, 2025 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Coronary stent underexpansion (SU) remains a major challenge in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), increasing restenosis and thrombosis risks, according to a new review that proposes an intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided algorithm to systematically optimize stent expansion and improve patient outcomes.

PERFORMANCE II Trial Notes Low Stroke Risk Demonstrated by Neuroguard IEP 3-in-1 Carotid Stent

Feb 10, 2025 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Conclusions drawn from a recent study have pointed to the potential of a novel carotid stent system that could benefit patients at high risk of complications from carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Study Suggests Radial Access Superior to Femoral Route for Secondary Use in TAVR Procedures

Dec 23, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New study findings challenge established practices in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), as researchers demonstrate that transradial secondary access (TR-SA) significantly reduces complications compared to traditional transfemoral secondary access (TF-SA).

High-Output Circulatory Support is Redefining Safety in Left Main Coronary Interventions: Magenta Medical Study

Dec 23, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A first-in-human study has demonstrated the exceptional safety and efficacy of the Magenta Elevate mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device during high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCI) involving the left main coronary artery (LM).

Angiography Provides Additional Insights for IVUS-Guided PCI: FLAVOUR Trial Post-Hoc Analysis

Dec 23, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Angiography-based physiological assessments can offer additional prognostic insights for patients undergoing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a post-hoc analysis of the FLAVOUR trial.

ECLS Unlikely to Benefit Any Infarct-Related CS Subpopulations: ECLS-SHOCK Machine Learning Analysis

Dec 23, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A new machine learning assessment of the ECLS-SHOCK study found there is a “low likelihood” that any subpopulation of infarct-related cardiogenic shock (CS) patients will respond to extracorporeal life support (ECLS).

Should Sex be a Factor in Deciding 3VD Patients’ Revascularization Strategy?

Dec 16, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Women with 3-vessel coronary artery disease have similar outcomes to men following placement of a drug-eluting stent using percutaneous coronary intervention but fare worse with coronary artery bypass grafting.

NCL Location Makes No Difference in Outcomes of Complete Revascularization for STEMI with MVD: COMPLETE Trial Sub Analysis

Dec 09, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Complete revascularization, including both culprit and non-culprit lesions (NCLs), is beneficial for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multivessel disease (MVD), regardless of NCL location, according to a new analysis of the COMPLETE trial.

More Bleeds With CABG, but Greater Post-Discharge Risk for PCI in LMCAD Patients: EXCEL Analysis

Dec 02, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Left main coronary artery disease patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the EXCEL trial have higher 5-year major bleed rates than those on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but PCI carries a greater risk of post-discharge bleeding.

Experts Question Review Omission of Coronary Sinus Reducer for Angina Treatment

Dec 02, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A recent letter published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology calls for greater recognition of the Coronary Sinus Reducer (CSR) as an innovative therapy for patients with refractory angina.

Encouraging IVL Outcomes in ISR: NCDR Analysis

Nov 25, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) has demonstrated “encouraging” outcomes in off-label use for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR), and warrants further studies to pin-down optimal use and long-term effects, according to a new research letter analyzing NCDR data.

Both Social and Genetic Factors Can Boost CHD Risk Prediction Accuracy: New AoU Analysis

Nov 19, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Both genetic and social factors should play a joint role in boosting the accuracy of risk modeling for coronary heart disease (CHD), said the authors of a new analysis of the ‘All of Us’ (AoU) program, stressing that racial identity is a crucial driver behind bigger social burden.

Coronary Sinus Reducer Improves QoL, Symptom Severity in Patients with Refractory Angina: REDUCER-I Trial

Nov 06, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study outlines the substantial improvements in quality of life, symptom severity and exercise capacity among patients implanted with the Coronary Sinus (CS) Reducer in treating patients with refractory angina.

CS Reducer Improves Angina Symptoms, QoL in CMD Patients: NeoVasc/Shockwave Medical-Supported Trial

Nov 06, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Newly published findings reveal that the coronary sinus (CS) reducer significantly reduces angina symptoms and improves quality of life for patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).

Culture Clearance Observed in Patients With Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis Post-PMA: CLEAR-IE Registry

Oct 30, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with right-sided infective endocarditis experience culture clearance after percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA), according to results from the CLEAR-IE trial.

3-Month vs. 12-Month DAPT: TARGET DAPT Study Finds Comparable Outcomes for PCI Patients With Firehawk Stent

Oct 30, 2024 by
Lior Lupu, MD, MBA, CRTonline.org

Short-term DAPT for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with the biodegradable-polymer rapamycin-eluting Firehawk stent is noninferior to extended-duration DAPT.

Novel Biodegradable Stent in TARGET IV Trial Shows TLF Outcomes Similar to Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents

Oct 30, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Considering target lesion failure outcomes at 1-year follow-up during the TARGET-IV study, the Firehawk biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent is noninferior to the currently used second-generation drug-eluting stents.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Quantitative Coronary Angiography is Non-Inferior to OCT-Guided PCI, FLASH Trial Suggests

Oct 30, 2024 by
Abhishek Chaturvedi, MD, CRTonline.org

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for significant coronary artery disease (CAD), AI-based quantitative coronary angiography (AI-QCA) is non-inferior to optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided PCI, according to results from the FLASH trial.

QFR Fails to Meet Non-Inferiority to FFR for Guiding Revascularization Decisions in Patients With Coronary Stenosis: FAVOR III

Oct 30, 2024 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

According to the FAVOR III Europe trial, the Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR)-guided revascularization strategy does not meet the non-inferiority criteria compared to the standard Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)-guided strategy for intermediate coronary stenosis requiring functional assessment in terms of composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction and unplanned revascularization.

Sirolimus DCBs Non-inferior to Paclitaxel DCB for Peripheral Artery Disease: Head-to-Head Data

Oct 29, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

MagicTouch sirolimus-coated balloons are non-inferior for both safety and efficacy endpoints compared to paclitaxel-coated balloons, reports new SIRONA trial data in patients with femoropopliteal artery disease.

LBMT Returns Better Clinical Outcomes Than CDT for PE Patients in PEERLESS Study

Oct 29, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Large-bore mechanical thrombectomy (LBMT) shows significant benefits for clinical outcomes versus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients in the PEERLESS study.

Colchicine Does Not Reduce CV Death, MI, Stroke, Ischemia-Driven Revascularization in Patients With STEMI/NSTEMI in CLEAR SYNERGY Trial

Oct 29, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

According to new results from the CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9) trial, acute and long-term colchicine use does not reduce cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or ischemia-driven revascularization patients with acute MI.

Orbital Atherectomy Prior to Coronary Stent Implantation Does Not Lead to Better Outcomes Compared to Conventional Balloon Angioplasty: ECLIPSE Trial

Oct 29, 2024 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

Routine orbital atherectomy did not enhance minimal stent area (MSA) or reduce target vessel failure (TVF) at one year compared to conventional balloon angioplasty in the preparation of severely calcified coronary lesions before drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in the large-scale, randomized ECLIPSE trial.

Superior Clinical Outcomes at 1-Year With Bioadaptor Compared to Drug-Eluting Stents During PCI According to INFINITY-SWEDEHEART Study

Oct 28, 2024 by
Kalyan R. Chitturi, DO, CRTonline.org

The bioadaptor proved superior to contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to the INFINITY-SWEDEHEART trial, with results presented by David Erlinge, MD, PhD, at the 2024 Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference in Washington, DC on Monday.

DRA Puncture Success Rate ‘Not Inferior’ to TRA, Suggest DRAMI Trial Researchers

Oct 28, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

In an intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, Distal Radial Access’ (DRA) puncture success rate does not demonstrate non-inferiority to Transradial Access (TRA), according to results outlined in the DRAMI Trial.

Heparin at First Medical Contact Associated with Improved Spontaneous Reperfusion, without Increased Bleeding Risk: HELP-PCI Data

Oct 28, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Pre-treatment with loading-dose heparin upon first medical contact (FMC) was associated with improved spontaneous reperfusion of infarct‐related artery (IRA) without increasing the risk of major bleeding, reports new data from the HELP-PCI trial.

DCB Side Branching Led to Lower 1-Year MACE Rate in True Coronary Bifurcation Lesion Patients: DCB-BIF Study

Oct 28, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Side branching with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) led to lower major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate at 1-year in patients with simple, true coronary bifurcation lesions than noncompliant balloons (NCBs) in the DCB-BIF study.

ViV-TAVR has Similar Mortality, Fewer Complications at 2-Years Compared With Redo-SAVR: Retrospective Study

Oct 16, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) is associated with fewer periprocedural cardiovascular complications and similar rates of all-cause mortality, compared with redo-surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), a new retrospective analysis shows.

Treating CVD to Improve Brain Health: AHA Scientific Statement on the Heart-Brain Connection

Oct 14, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) shows that addressing cardiovascular health earlier in life can reduce the risk of stroke and prevent earlier onset or progression of later-life cognitive impairment.

Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients at Greater Risk for CAD, MACE: UK Biobank Analysis

Oct 09, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are at greater risk for coronary artery disease, and patients with non-O blood types are at an additional risk for post-acute myocardial infarction and stroke, a new analysis from the UK Biobank shows.

BRIGHT-4 External Confirmation: Mortality, Bleeding Reduced, no Increase in Ischemic Events, in STEMI Patients Receiving Bivalirudin Plus High-Dose Infusion Post-PCI

Oct 09, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

External validation of the BRIGHT-4 results shows that patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who receive bivalirudin plus a high-dose infusion 2- to 4-hours post-PCI have reduced cardiac mortality and major bleeding, and no increase in ischemic events, compared with patients who receive heparin monotherapy with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) use.

Low CPAP Adherence and Patient Type Contributes to Poor Outcomes, Review Suggests

Sep 16, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Randomized control trials (RCTs) do not show long-term benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices on cardiovascular outcomes, say researchers, who point out post-hoc analyses demonstrates improved outcomes in those who use CPAP adequately.

Case Report Highlights Importance of Including Intracranial Pathology in Differential Diagnosis for ST-Segment Elevation

Sep 16, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A case of a woman presenting with electrocardiogram (ECG) shark-fin phenomenon caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage “underscores the significance of meticulous clinical assessment” for ST-segment changes and the inclusion of intracranial pathology in the differential diagnosis, warns a new report.

ED Patients Who Receive Novel Bedside Troponin Test Have Shorter LOS vs Standard Testing, Comparable Safety: WESTCOR-POS Study

Sep 02, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Administering a new high-sensitivity cardiac troponin test (hs-cTn) bedside to emergency department (ED) patients, with a 0/1-hour diagnostic algorithm, moderately reduces ED length of stay and is just as safe as centralized testing, results from the WESTCOR-POC trial show.

Bioadaptor Shows Non-Inferiority, And Significant Reduction of Adverse events, Versus DES in PCI Patients: INFINITY-SWEDEHEART Data

Sep 02, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for narrowed arteries with a novel bioadaptor has clinical non-inferiority and offers a significant reduction in adverse clinical events than a contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES), according to new data from the INFINITY-SWEDEHEART trial.

Second-Gen DES Should Be ‘Treatment of Choice’ for Untreated Non-Complex Coronary Lesions: REC-CAGEFREE I Trial

Sep 02, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Findings from the REC-CAGEFREE trial presented at the 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress suggest that drug-coated balloon angioplasty is less effective in addressing previously untreated non-complex coronary lesions when compared to second generation drug eluting stents (DES).

OCT-Guidance Cuts Risk of Death, MI, Thrombosis and Revascularization in South Korean OCCUPI Trial

Sep 02, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guidance improved clinical outcomes and cut the risk of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis and the need for revascularization by 38% in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, compared to conventional angiography-led stenting, in the South Korean OCCUPI trial.

No Fasting Before Cardiac Catheterization Procedures is Safe and Patients are Satisfied, SCOFF Trial Shows

Sep 01, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Removal of fasting requirements before cardiac procedures is not only safe, but also results in more satisfied patients, say the SCOFF trial investigators.

Complete vs Culprit Lesion Revascularization is Best Strategy for Older STEMI Patients with Multivessel Disease, EARTH-STEMI Meta-Analysis Finds

Sep 01, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Complete revascularization is the most beneficial option for older patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease versus culprit-only coronary artery revascularization, according to a new meta-analysis of patients up to 4-years post intervention.

SENIOR-RITA Trial: Similar Outcomes in Invasive vs Conservative Strategy for Older Patients with NSTEMI

Sep 01, 2024 by
Beni Verma, MD, MPH, CRTonline.org

Risk of cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) was not significantly reduced in older patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who underwent an invasive strategy, compared with those who underwent a conservative strategy, over 4.1 years, results from the SENIOR-RITA trial show.

NOTION-3 Data Reports ‘Considerable’ Benefits from PCI For TAVI Patients with CAD at 2-Year Follow-Up

Aug 31, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a lower risk of a major adverse events, compared with conservative treatment, in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) with coronary artery disease (CAD), reports new 2-year follow-up data from the NOTION-3 study.

TAVI Considered Superior to Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Women with Severe AS, RHEIA Trial Researchers Conclude

Aug 31, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Newly-presented data from the RHEIA trial suggest that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using SAPIEN 3 or SAPIEN 3 Ultra is superior to surgical aortic valve replacement for reducing the rates of death, stroke or rehospitalization in women with severe aortic stenosis.

TAVI Patients Should Pause Oral Anticoagulants to Reduce Bleeding Risk, say POPular PAUSE TAVI Trial Authors

Aug 31, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Oral anticoagulants should be paused for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), authors of the POPular PAUSE TAVI trial say, after finding patients on continued anticoagulation had bleeding but no relevant differences in thromboembolic events.

TIGHT-K Trial Shows Routinely Supplementing Potassium After Heart Surgery Does Not Increase Clinical Benefits

Aug 31, 2024 by
Beni Verma, MD, MPH, CRTonline.org

The TIGHT-K trial reported an important finding in the peri-procedural management of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients: aggressive supplementation of potassium does not provide any clinical benefit, and in fact leads to higher costs.

No Advantage of ‘No-Touch’ Vein Harvesting Over Conventional Technique for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: SWEDEGRAFT Study

Aug 31, 2024 by
Beni Verma, MD, MPH, CRTonline.org

No-touch harvesting does not provide any benefit over conventional techniques in preventing vein graft failure or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), shows the SWEDEGRAFT study. However, it is associated with increased leg wound complications in the short and long term.

ASSURE-DES Trial Shows No Difference in Ischemic Events if Aspirin is Interrupted or Continued in Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery

Aug 31, 2024 by
Jason Galo, MD, CRTonline.org

No difference in ischemic events or major bleeding were observed between the continuation of aspirin monotherapy versus no antiplatelet therapy in patients with a drug-eluting stent (DES) undergoing non- cardiac surgery, with a modest increase in minor bleeding, the ASSURE-DES trial reveals.

Lower MAE Risk in Post-LAAO Patients Linked to DOAC Antithrombotic Strategy, Study Suggests

Aug 26, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new analysis reveals that in patients discharged following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) antithrombotic strategy is linked to a significantly lower risk of major adverse events (MAE) when compared with anticoagulation plus aspirin.

High-Risk AF Patients with ACS or Undergoing PCI Fared Better on P2Y12 Inhibitors and Apixaban — New Post-Hoc AUGUSTUS Findings

Aug 26, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Antithrombotic regimens with P2Y12 inhibitors and apixaban led to fewer hospitalizations and less bleeding than regimens with vitamin K agonists and aspirin in atrial fibrillation patients who were part of the AUGUSTUS study.

Clinicians Diagnosing Aneurysm Should Provide ‘Comprehensive’ Mental Health Care: South Korean Study

Aug 26, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Clinicians treating cerebral aneurysms should provide “comprehensive care” for the psychological burden associated with unruptured lesions, South Korean researchers have warned after flagging a common association between aneurysm diagnosis and anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Expert Consensus on CCT for LOAA Suggests Standardized Procedures That Will Aid New Science

Aug 12, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

One of the biggest advantages in the standardized use of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in pre- and post-left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be the substantial value for it to provide reproducible standardization and in-depth evaluation of LAAO devices for scientific advancement and research design and development, a new review suggests.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Measurements of Myocardial Strain Successfully Predict Adverse Events in General Population – UK Biobank Analysis

Aug 05, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT) of left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain metrics successfully predicted heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke and death in a new general population study of the UK Biobank.

Challenges Remain for Global Trans-fat Elimination Efforts in Preventing Coronary Heart Disease

Aug 05, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Since accelerated global efforts to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans-fat (iTFA) began, 43 countries have adopted best practice regulations, protecting an additional 3.2 billion people against coronary heart disease (CHD). However, further incentives, accountability mechanisms and regional policies are needed to continue to build momentum and drive the goal of truly global iTFA elimination, experts warn.

PREVENT Data Suggest it’s Time for Updated Guidelines on Statin Prevention Thresholds, Experts say

Jul 29, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

While the foundational principles of the 2013 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines on the use of statins for the management and prevention of cholesterol and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain relevant, insights from the recent PREVENT study mean that predicted 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) can now be estimated with greater precision, experts say.

Breaking News: Edwards Lifesciences to Acquire JenaValve and Endotronix

Jul 24, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

(BUSINESS WIRE) Edwards Lifesciences agreed to acquire JenaValve Technology and Endotronix on Wednesday, adding to their structural heart portfolio.

Mortality Increases After pMI and spMI With High Troponin Peak, Study Concludes

Jul 22, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests that mortality at 1 year significantly increases after procedural myocardial infarction (pMI) and spontaneous myocardial infarction (spMI) with troponin peak >35x upper reference level (URL).

Almost Half of U.S. Counties Have No Access to Cardiologists, Despite Higher Risks

Jul 08, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

More than 22 million Americans living in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged counties have no access to cardiologists, despite having a greater burden of cardiovascular disease, according to data reported in a new research letter.

Complete Revascularization Superior in Reducing All-Cause Mortality, Meta Analysis Finds

Jul 08, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Complete revascularization leads to significant reductions in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with culprit revascularization, according to a new study.

Psychosocial Stress is a Key Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor for Women: Review

Jul 08, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

To appropriately address gender inequities in cardiovascular health, cardiologists should recognize that psychosocial stress negatively affects cardiovascular health and is unequally distributed between men and women, a new review reports.

Study Suggests CABG Outcomes in Women Not Linked to Higher Graft Failure Rates

Jul 01, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Graft failure during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is more frequent in women, according to a new study, which links the complication to a higher risk of adverse cardiac events and death post-surgery.

High Lp(a)-C Raises Heart Disease Risk, but Corrected LDL-C Provides 'No Meaningful Information' in BiomCaRE Study

Jul 01, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

High levels of lipoprotein(a) cholesterol (Lp(a)-C) as part of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) makeup were associated with raised coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in a new wide-scale European population study.

AI-Driven Cardiovascular Care to Become ‘More Personalized, Precise, and Effective,’ Review Concludes

Jun 24, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A review of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular (CV) care predicts its widespread use, with the technology aiding the implementation of multimodal data at the point of care to personalize treatments and eventual outcomes.

DSMB Halts RECOVER IV Trial

Jun 19, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The RECOVER IV randomized trial has been stopped early for ethical reasons.

Autoimmune Diseases Linked to a Higher Risk of Coronary Atherosclerosis, Study Suggests

Jun 17, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Autoimmune diseases are independently associated with a higher burden of coronary atherosclerosis and a substantially higher risk of future episodes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), according to a large registry analysis from Denmark.

Pretreatment with PY212 Inhibitors Led to Better MACE Outcomes in STEMI Patients Undergoing PPCI – Spanish Registry Study

Jun 17, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Patients pretreated with P2Y12 inhibitors before undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) saw a significant reduction in major cardiac events without increased bleeding risk in a new study of a regional Spanish registry published Monday online.

Long-Term Mortality Similar in Treatment-Adherent STEMI PCI Survivors and General Population – Danish Registry Study

Jun 17, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The 10-year mortality rate in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who had survived the first 90 days following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was similar to that of the general population, according to a new Danish study.

FDA Identifies Arrow FiberOptix, UltraFlex Intra-Aortic Balloon Catheter Kits Recall as Class I

Jun 14, 2024 by
CRTonline.org

Teleflex and Arrow International’s recall of the Arrow FiberOptix and Arrow UltraFlex intra-aortic balloon (IAB) catheter kits has been identified as Class I, the most serious type, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday.

Women Undergoing CABG More Likely to Receive Care at Low-Quality Hospitals: Retrospective Analysis

Jun 11, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

A new retrospective cohort study shows that female Medicare beneficiaries who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are more likely than men to receive care at low-quality hospitals.

SGLT2i ‘Well Tolerated’ With Favorable Outcomes in Previously Untested ATTR-CM Patients – Observational Study

Jun 10, 2024 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were well tolerated and showed “favorable” outcomes for transthyretin cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients in a new U.S./European observational study.

Women Authors Remain Underrepresented Across All Cardiovascular Journal Article Types, Study Finds

Jun 10, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Despite an ongoing increase in the number of women entering the fields of medicine and science, the proportion of women authors across all article types in major cardiovascular journals remains low, a new study finds.

Nonoptimal Temperatures ‘Substantially’ Contribute to Cardiovascular Mortality Burden: Global Data

Jun 03, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

More than 1.8 million cardiovascular deaths per year can be attributed to both cold and hot environmental temperatures, with rising global temperatures over the last 20 years driving changes in cardiovascular mortality, a new analysis of data from 32 countries reports.

Cardiovascular Community Urged to Play Pivotal Role in Advocating Against Environmental Pollution

Jun 03, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Leading cardiovascular researchers are calling for the implementation of heart-healthy changes to city design, such as increasing tree cover, according to a new JACC Seminar Series which warns that manmade pollutants and climate change contribute to millions of deaths from cardiovascular disease each year.

Excess ApoB May Raise Cardiovascular Risk in Adults, Study Suggests

Jun 03, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

An excess of the lipid transporter apolipoprotein B (apoB) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), according to a new study.

COVID-19 Vaccination Post-ACS Did Not Significantly Reduce MACE: Trial Analysis

May 30, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

A secondary analysis shows that patients with at least one COVID-19 vaccine after experiencing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) had similar rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) to unvaccinated patients.

Richard R. Heuser: Angioplasty Pioneer, 1950-2024

May 29, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Internationally recognized cardiologist Richard R. Heuser, MD, died Thursday. He was 73.

Intravascular Imaging Benefits Show No Significant Difference in TVF by Clinical Presentation: RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI Analysis

May 27, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

No significant interaction was observed between the benefits of intravascular imaging and clinical presentation in the risk of target vessel failure (TVF), according to prespecified subgroup analysis of the RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI study.

Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity Could Predict MI Risk: Trial Analysis

May 27, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Coronary atherosclerotic plaque activity is independently associated with myocardial infarction (MI) at the vessel level and further contributes to estimates of patient-level risk, a new analysis concludes.

Trial Data Question Need for Fasting Strategy in Coronary Procedure Patients

May 27, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A non-fasting strategy before coronary procedures was non-inferior to the routine fasting strategy, with similar incidence of vasovagal reaction, hypoglycemia and nausea, according to new trial data.

Intramyocardial Hemorrhage a Key Driver of MACE in Post-MI Patients, Study Suggests

May 20, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study highlights the independent prognostic importance of intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) in managing risk after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after researchers associated microvascular injury (MVI) with future adverse outcomes only in patients with a hemorrhagic phenotype (IMH+).

IT-Masters Registry Data Highlight Magnesium BRS’s Efficacy, Safety

May 17, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Data gathered by a multicenter, prospective, observational registry further confirm the efficacy and safety of a resorbable magnesium-based scaffold in more complex lesion settings.

Similar Functional Outcomes in OCT- vs. Fluoroscopy-Guided PCI: DOCTORS-LM Trial

May 16, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with left main (LM) stenosis undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided left main angioplasty did not have a significant impact on the functional result of the procedure as compared with fluoroscopy-guided angioplasty, as assessed by fractional flow reserve (FFR).

ShortCut Device Meets Initial Safety, Efficacy Endpoints in Patients at High Risk for Coronary Obstruction: Pivotal Study

May 16, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients who are set to undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and are at-risk for coronary obstruction, the ShortCut leaflet modification device is safe and achieves success in leaflet splitting, and is associated with positive clinical outcomes, a new study shows.

PCI – Complete or Incomplete – Does Not Improve Event-Free Survival vs. Medical Therapy Alone in Patients with Severe LV Dysfunction: Trial Analysis

May 16, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Event-free survival is not improved with either complete anatomical or viability-guided revascularization as compared with incomplete revascularization or medical therapy alone in patients with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, data from an analysis of the REVIVED-BCIS2 trial show.

Triple-Drug Site-Specific Antithrombotic Therapeutic Significantly Reduces TLF Risk, Study Concludes

May 16, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A triple-drug-eluting coronary implant with a site-specific antithrombotic therapeutic (TRx) coating significantly reduces the risk of target lesion failure (TLF) when compared to a contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES), a new study shows.

OCT-Guided PCI Superior to Angiography-Guided PCI at PCI Optimization: CALIPSO Study

May 16, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

An optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy for the management of patients with moderate to severe calcified culprit lesions improved stent deployment and minimal stent area, modified the choice of device for lesion preparation and did not increase procedure time or volume of contrast used, according to the CALIPSO trial.

Nature of Symptoms in Patients with CAD Predicts Placebo-Controlled Efficacy of PCI: ORBITA-2 Trial Secondary Analysis

May 16, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The nature of symptoms in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a powerful predictor of the placebo-controlled efficacy of PCI according to a secondary analysis of the ORBITA-2 trial.

DynamX Bioadaptor Superior to Resolute Onyx Stent in CAD Patients at 2 Years: BIOADAPTOR RCT

May 15, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the novel DynamX Bioadaptor restores arterial hemodynamic modulation, shows significant clinical benefits and has superior outcomes compared with the commercially available Resolute Onyx stent, 2-year results from BIOADAPTOR RCT study show.

Stepwise DAPT De-Escalation Noninferior to Standard DAPT After DCB Treatment: Randomized Trial

May 15, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A stepwise de-escalation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after treatment of coronary lesions with drug-coated balloons was noninferior to standard 12-month DAPT in terms of clinical events, a new study shows.

SELUTION DeNovo Trial: Early Look Shows Procedural Outcomes Improve with Center Experience

May 14, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

An early look at the SELUTION DeNovo trial shows that procedural results with a novel drug-eluting balloon (DEB) improve with operator experience and that the trial is truly serving “all comers” patients with de novo coronary lesions.

Biolimus DCB Non-Inferior to Paclitaxel DCB in Treating DES-ISR: BIO ASCEND ISR Trial

May 14, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In the treatment of patients with coronary drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR), a novel biolimus-coated balloon (BCB) showed similar angiographic outcomes to the clinically proven paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB), according to a new study.

FFR-Guided PCI with TAVR Beats CABG with SAVR in Concomitant Severe AS, Complex CAD: TCW Trial

May 14, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A strategy of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) demonstrated significantly lower event rates, including mortality, at 1 year, than a strategy of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), in patients with concomitant complex coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS), new randomized trial results show.

Treatment Concordant with Angiogram-Based FFR Shows Better Clinical Outcomes vs. FFR-Discordant Treatment in Patients With CCS: International Study

May 14, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Use of angiogram-based fractional flow reserve (FFR)-concordant treatment strategies in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) results in better mid-term clinical outcomes, compared with angiogram-based FFR-discordant treatment, results from an international study show.

Advanced Diagnosis Strategy Improves INOCA Diagnosis in CCS Patients: AID-ANGIO Study

May 14, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who undergo invasive coronary angiography (ICA) benefit from the use of advanced invasive diagnostics (AID) to identify obstructive and non-obstructive mechanisms of ischemia, a new study shows.

MRR Shows Predictive Value of Composite Events in STEMI Patients: Post Hoc Analysis

May 14, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The novel microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) proved to be an independent predictor of the risk of the composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization when measured directly after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients who experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to a post hoc analysis of pooled patient data.

Complete Revascularization Beats Culprit-Only Revascularization in Older Patients With MI, HBR: FIRE Trial Analysis

May 08, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In elderly patients with myocardial infarction (MI) at high bleeding risk (HBR), physiology-guided complete revascularization is effective post-MI, compared with culprit-only revascularization, in reducing ischemic adverse events, a prespecified analysis of the FIRE trial shows.

ADHD Drug Treatments Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke, Heart Failure, Study Concludes

May 06, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with increasing dosage of drug treatments could raise long-term cardiovascular risk, according to a new study.

Physicians Must Rule Out Surgically Occluded LAA Before Anticoagulation, Warns Research Letter

May 06, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Surgically occluded left atrial appendages (LAAs) were identified in 14% of patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and open-heart surgery, with incomplete LAA closure in 1 of 5 patients, new patient data report.

Blood Vessel Functioning Impaired by Brief Episodes of Anger: PUME Study

May 01, 2024 by
Bailey G. Salimes, CRTonline.org

Endothelial cell (EC) health is negatively impacted by provoked anger through the impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV), a new study shows.

Low-Attenuation Plaque Could Reinforce Relationship Between Lp(a) and MI Risk: Multi-Center Data

Apr 29, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels were strongly associated with myocardial infarction (MI) risk, especially in patients with low-attenuation plaque (LAP) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), according to new data that suggest the presence of LAP “could reinforce the relationship between Lp(a) and future MI occurrence.”

Study Calls for Periprocedural MI Definition Review to ‘Improve Usefulness’

Apr 22, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The risk of death is heightened in patients meeting two or three evidence-supporting criteria for periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), but not in those meeting 1 criterion, a new study finds.

IVUS-Guided PCI Results in Lower TVF Risk vs. Angiography in ACS Patients: IVUS-ACS Study

Apr 08, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance results in a lower 1-year risk of target vessel failure compared with angiography guidance alone, new study results show.

FFR-Guided Complete Revascularization Does Not Improve Outcomes Versus Culprit-only PCI: FULL REVASC Trial

Apr 08, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided complete revascularization of non-culprit lesions did not lower the risk of death from any cause, myocardial infarction (MI), or unplanned revascularization than culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or very-high-risk non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease, new trial results show.

Preventative PCI with Optimal Medical Therapy Reduces Long-Term MACE in Patients with Non-Flow-Limiting Vulnerable Plaques: PREVENT Trial

Apr 08, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are reduced in patients with non-flow-limiting vulnerable plaques who undergo preventative percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus optimal medical therapy, compared with only optimal medical therapy, the PREVENT trial shows.

Coronary Sinus Reducer Relieves Angina, but Mechanism Remains Unclear: ORBITA-COSMIC Trial

Apr 08, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A coronary sinus reducer (CSR) improves angina compared with placebo, according to a new study, in which researchers also found the device did not improve transmural myocardial perfusion.

DEPOSITION: Topical Tranexamic Acid Does Not Reduce Seizure Risk, Increases Blood Transfusion Risk vs. IV Administration During Cardiac Surgery

Apr 08, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

ATLANTA – Topical tranexamic acid (TxA) did not reduce the risk of seizure – and increased the risk of blood transfusion – compared with standard intravenous TxA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, new randomized trial results show.

Study: Standalone Chest Pain Units Greatly Increased Access to PCI for AMI Patients in Karachi, Pakistan

Apr 07, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A novel program that introduced standalone chest pain units (CPUs) throughout the “mega-city” of Karachi, Pakistan, has improved timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and could serve as a blueprint for other developing countries, a new study suggests.

Liberal Transfusion Strategy May Benefit Type 1 MI Patients with Anemia: MINT Analysis

Apr 07, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The use of a liberal transfusion strategy may be particularly impactful in type 1 myocardial infarction (MI) patients with anemia, according to a prespecified subgroup analysis of data from the MINT trial that reports a trend toward better outcomes.

Restricting Benzodiazepine Use Does Not Reduce Delirium After Cardiac Surgery: B-FREE Trial

Apr 07, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Postoperative delirium incidence is not reduced while restricting benzodiazepines during cardiac surgery, according to an intention-to-treat analysis.

Ticagrelor Alone After 1-Month DAPT Shows Reduced Bleeding with No Increased Risk Versus 1-Year DAPT: ULTIMATE-DAPT

Apr 07, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who stopped taking aspirin alongside the P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor 1 month after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) saw a significantly reduced risk of clinically meaningful bleeding, with no increased risk of clotting-related adverse events, at 12 months compared with patients who continued dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for a full year, report the principal findings from the ULTIMATE-DAPT trial.

DanGer Shock Trial: Abiomed’s Impella Pump Increases Survival Rates at 6 Months

Apr 07, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Implantation of the Impella CP micro-axial flow pump after a heart attack significantly increased survival rates at 6 months in people suffering cardiogenic shock, the DanGer Shock Trial concludes.

Beta-Blocker Treatment Post-MI Not Associated With Lower Risk of Death: REDUCE-AMI Trial

Apr 07, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Long-term beta-blocker treatment is not associated with a lower risk of death from any cause or new myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with acute MI with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (≥50%), a new study shows.

Remote Monitoring Improves Outcomes After ACS: Trial Data

Apr 06, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A remote telemedicine-based approach for the management of patients following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was associated with a reduction in hospital readmission, emergency department (ED) visits, unplanned coronary revascularization and patient-reported symptoms, according to new trial data.

HF Hospitalizations, All-Cause Mortality Not Reduced With Empagliflozin Post AMI: EMPACT-MI

Apr 06, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Empagliflozin treatment does not significantly decrease the risk of first hospitalization from heart failure (HF) or any-cause death in patients who are at increased risk for heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), results from the EMPACT-MI study show.

Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Acquire Shockwave Medical

Apr 05, 2024 by
CRTonline.org

Johnson & Johnson and Shockwave Medical Inc. announced Friday that they have agreed to an arrangement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all of Shockwave’s outstanding stocks, a $13.1 billion value.

GLP-1 Agonists Less Likely to Be Prescribed in Older Obese Patients With HFpEF: Single-Center Registry Analysis

Apr 01, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who are older that 65 years are prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) less often, compared with younger patients, a new registry analysis shows.

Remote GDMT Titration Is Safe, Leads to Faster Achievement of Target Doses vs. Standard Care, in HFrEF Patients: Canadian Study

Apr 01, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Remote titration of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) was effective, safe and feasible in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), increasing the percentage of patients achieving target doses in a shorter time with no excess adverse events, in comparison with standard care, a new study shows.

Open-Label Study: Early Dapagliflozin Treatment Safe in Hospitalized Patients With Acute HF

Apr 01, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Guideline-direct medical therapy (GDMT) optimization is partially and safely met with early dapagliflozin treatment in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (AHF), a new open-label study shows.

ACC Decision Pathway Shows Safety, Efficacy in ED Patients with Chest Pain: Observational Cohort Study

Mar 25, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the evaluation of possible acute coronary syndrome in adult patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department (ED) demonstrated safety and efficacy in a validation study.

Antihypertensive Drug Treatment Associated with Decreased Dementia Risk in Older Adults: Case-Control Study

Mar 25, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Elderly patients treated with antihypertensive drugs are at lower risk for developing dementia, a new case-control study shows.

Abiomed’s Updated Instructions for Certain Impella Pumps Identified as Class I Action: FDA

Mar 22, 2024 by
CRTonline.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified Abiomed’s recently distributed urgent change of instructions affecting several models of the manufacturer’s Impella pumps as Class I, the most serious type.

Hemorrhagic MI Biomarker Could Predict Heart Failure or Sudden Death Risk, Study Concludes

Mar 12, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Hemorrhagic myocardial infarction (MI) can be diagnosed by a blood biomarker, which could predict adverse risk of acute outcomes, such as heart failure and sudden death, according to a new study.

Protego Shield Provides Lead Apron Alternative With ‘Exceptional Total Body’ Radiation Protection, Study Finds

Mar 12, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The Protego shield provides protection from total body radiation exposure (RE) for operators performing coronary and structural heart procedures, allowing procedural performance without the need for personal lead aprons, a new study finds.

DynamX Bioadaptor Shows Better Functional Performance vs. DES in High-Risk Dyslipidemia Patients: BIOADAPTOR-RCT Substudy

Mar 12, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The sirolimus-eluting Bioadaptor implant shows superior functional performance in high-risk patients with dyslipidemia, compared to the contemporary Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent (DES), reports a new subgroup analysis from the BIOADAPTOR-RCT.

Novel Percutaneous LVAD Wins CRT 2024 Best Innovations Competition

Mar 11, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A novel mechanical circulatory support device that is delivered through a 10-French sheath that is expanded once implanted in the left ventricle won CRT 2024’s Best Innovations Competition on Monday.

AI Algorithm for 12-Lead ECG Data Show Similar Predictive Value to Invasive FFR

Mar 11, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm known as ECGio is able to analyze digital information from a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to provide a similar level of to predict the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) to a similar level as invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement, new data reports.

IVUS-Based AI Aims to Predict Stent Expansion in Calcified Lesions

Mar 11, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to improve the prediction of stent expansion in severely calcified lesions.

ihtDEStiny Stent Demonstrates High PCI Success Rate: Epic26 Velazquez Study

Mar 10, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new hydrodynamic ultrathin strut sirolimus drug-eluting-stent (DES) shows a high percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success rate without acute stent thrombosis or early repeat revascularization, according to a new study.

More Adverse Ischemic Events in CAD Patients Receiving Absorb BVS vs XCIENCE EES: ABSORB Meta-Analysis

Mar 10, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing stent implantation have more ischemic events through 5 years post-implantation when implanted with the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) versus the XIENCE everolimus-eluting stent (EES), a meta-analysis of the ABSORB study shows.

Saranas Bleeding Monitoring System Reduces Major Bleeding vs. Historical Rate in High-Risk PCI: SAFE-MCS Study

Mar 10, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Use of the Saranas Early Bird Bleeding Monitoring System (EBBMS) in patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) showed a significantly reduced rate of major bleeding against a prespecified historical incidence, a new study shows.

CT Cardiac Angiography a ‘Useful Tool’ in CABG Assessment, Trial Finds

Mar 10, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

In patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA), the use of computed tomography cardiac angiography (CTCA) improves short term angina status and quality of life, a new trial concludes.

Low Socioeconomic Status Associated with Higher Adverse Events, Mortality Risk Post-PCI: Pan-London Registry Analysis

Mar 10, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to an analysis of observational data from more than 123,000 patients in the Pan-London PCI registry.

Deep Learning Model Can Be Used to Predict Changes in Coronary Plaque Size, IVUS Study Finds

Mar 09, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Changes in coronary plaque size can be predicted by using a deep learning model, a new study finds, which could help clinicians better understand the natural history of subclinical (non-obstructive) atherosclerosis.

Paclitaxel DCB Shows Good Physiological Results at 6 Months in Small-Coronary-Vessel Lesions: PICCOLETO II Substudy

Mar 09, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

In patients with de novo lesions in small coronary vessels, the Elutax 3 paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) showed good physiological performance through 6 months post-procedure, according to a new trial sub-analysis.

XIENCE EES Safe, Effective in Treating Single-Layer Complex ISR: ILUMIEN IV Sub-Study

Mar 09, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions with the XIENCE everolimus-eluting stent (EES) showed comparable stent expansion to treatment of non-ISR lesions but with a smaller minimal stent area and higher rates of target lesion failure (TLF), a new analysis of a randomized trial shows.

5 Years Post-PCI, OCT, FFR Guidance Show Similar MACE Rates: FORZA Trial

Mar 09, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for angiographically intermediate coronary lesions, the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance was associated with a similar risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 5-year follow-up, new study results show.

IVUS During PCI Associated With Lower Mortality Risk: Premier Health Care Database Study

Mar 09, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Adjunctive intravascular ultrasounds (IVUS) are rare in the U.S., despite increasing rates of use and data showing the use of IVUS during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with reductions in long-term mortality, a new study of the Premier healthcare database shows.

Ticagrelor Monotherapy after Short-Term DAPT Linked to Lower Bleeding vs. Ticagrelor-Based 12-Month DAPT: TICO, T-PASS Meta-Analysis

Mar 09, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor monotherapy after short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is associated with lower incidences of major bleeding without an increase in ischemic events compared with ticagrelor-based 12-month DAPT, a new study shows.

DCB Beats Uncoated Balloon in Multiple Outcome Measures for In-Stent Restenosis, but DES Shows Lower TLF: 5-Year Registry Data

Mar 09, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The use of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty resulted in better overall outcomes than uncoated balloons for in-stent restenosis (ISR), but higher target lesion failure (TLF) rates, than drug eluting stents (DES), according to new long-term registry data from Sweden

Meta-Analysis: DCB Noninferior to DES at 3 Years in Treating De Novo Lesions in Small Coronary Vessels

Mar 09, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) demonstrated noninferiority to drug-eluting stents (DES) in treating de novo lesions in small coronary vessels in a new meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Stroke Burden in US Decreases Overall, but Increases in Specific Regions, Age Groups: Cross-Sectional Study

Mar 04, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Age-standardized stroke rates have declined over the past 3 decades, suggesting management of stroke-related outcomes has improved in that time, but stroke burden creates disparities across different groups in the U.S. and requires region- and demographic-specific interventions, a cross-sectional analysis shows.

AGENT Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Becomes First DCB Approved to Treat Coronary Lesions in the US

Mar 01, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the AGENT drug-coated balloon (DCB) to treat coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR), marking the first time a DCB is available for commercial use in the U.S.

Beyond Traditional Markers: Study Shows Lp(a) as a Predictor for MACE

Feb 27, 2024 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is independently associated with long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE), regardless of the baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a new study shows.

Routine Post-PCI Stress Testing Does Not Benefit Patients with Multivessel or LM CAD: Trial Subgroup Analysis

Feb 27, 2024 by
Abhishek Chaturvedi, MD, CRTonline.org

In high-risk patients with multivessel or left main coronary artery disease (CAD) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), there is no incremental clinical benefit from routine surveillance stress testing compared with standard care during follow-up, according to a trial subgroup analysis.

Exercise Confers Larger CV, All-Cause Mortality Risk Reduction for Women vs. Men: National Analysis

Feb 19, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality is substantially reduced in women compared with men when they participate in the same amount of physical activity (PA) during leisure time, a new analysis of national survey data shows.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Show Higher Mortality Risk After Major CV Events vs. Non-Cancer Population: Study

Feb 19, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Adult survivors of childhood cancer have a higher risk of mortality after major cardiovascular events as compared to adults without cancer, a new study shows.

South Asians Have Fewer Vascular Regenerative, Reparative Cells than White Europeans – Prospective Study

Feb 12, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

South Asian people with cardiometabolic disease have fewer vascular regenerative and reparative cells than their white European counterparts, suggesting compromised vessel repair ability that may contribute to excess vascular risk among South Asians, a new study shows.

Spinal Cord Injury Survivors at Greater Risk for MI, HF and AF: Korean Study

Feb 12, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at significantly higher risk for developing heart disease than non-SCI patients, especially when the SCI causes a severe disability, a new study finds.

Salt Substitute Shows Lower Hypertension, Similar Hypotension to Salt in Older Chinese Adults: Post Hoc Analysis

Feb 12, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Older adult Chinese patients with normal blood pressure (BP) who replace salt with a salt substitute demonstrated reduced incidence of hypertension and no increase in hypotension episodes, a post hoc analysis of the DECIDE-Salt trial suggests.

Pooled Analysis of Phase II Trials Shows Promise of Asundexian Safety in Patients with AF, Recent AMI or Stroke

Feb 05, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A pooled analysis of phase II trials of the Factor XIa inhibitor asundexian showed that it was associated with less bleeding than apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and similar bleeding to placebo in patients who recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke.

PCSK9 Inhibitor Evolocumab Lowers MACE Risk in Patients with and without Multivessel CAD – FOURIER Long-Term Follow-Up

Feb 05, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The use of evolocumab reduced the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with known atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), regardless of whether they had multivessel CAD, but the drug’s benefit was larger and occurred earlier in patients with multivessel disease, a long-term study shows.

Bariatric Surgery Lowers Need for Antihypertensive Medication in Patients with Obesity: GATEWAY Trial 5-Year Results

Feb 05, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with obesity, bariatric surgery is effective and sustainable in controlling hypertension and related polypharmacy through 5 years, a new randomized study shows.

People With and Without ASCVD Benefit from Universal Risk Prediction Model Assessments: ACC/AHA Study

Jan 29, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

People with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) benefit from a universal risk prediction approach, which can aid in the transition from primary to secondary prevention measures, shows a study from a risk prediction model newly developed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA).

Study: 1 in 4 Children with Acute Decompensated HF Experience CS

Jan 29, 2024 by
Lior Lupu, MD, MBA, CRTonline.org

Cardiogenic shock (CS) occurred in 26% of children admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and was independently associated with in-hospital mortality, a new large, single-center study shows.

Swedish Study: In Men with CVD Taking Nitrates, Addition of ED Medication Shows Higher Risk of Mortality, Morbidity

Jan 15, 2024 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

In men taking nitrates to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), the concomitant use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, according to a new analysis of Swedish national patient data.

Maximum Radial Wall Strain a Way to Predict and Diagnose CAD, Study Suggests

Jan 08, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Clinical use of the maximum radial wall strain (RWSmax) value can be considered an additional tool for physiological and plaque assessment in the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease, a new study finds.

P2Y12 Inhibitor Pretreatment Does Not Improve Outcomes for STEMI Patients, Study Finds

Jan 08, 2024 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

A cohort study demonstrates that the composite of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) is not improved in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who receive P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment.

Not a False Positive: Treadmill Exercise Stress Testing Reliably Indicates ‘Hidden’ Cardiac Microvascular Dysfunction – Single-Center Study

Jan 08, 2024 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Treadmill exercise stress testing is a widely available, cost-effective method to identify coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with angina and confirmed nonobstructive coronary arteries, new research suggests.

Ischemia-Driven TLR Most Commonly Observed Within 2 Years of Left Main PCI

Jan 08, 2024 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests that while incidences of ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) are most common within 2 years after left main percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed, TLR occurs steadily during the 10-year follow-up period.

Baseline PH, PAP Not Worsened by Pulsed-Field Ablation in Patients With AF: Propensity-Matched Analysis

Dec 20, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Mean pulmonary artery pressures (mPAP) are not worse after pulsed-field ablation (PFA) in patients who have pre-existing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and undergo an additional procedure for recurrence, a new propensity-matched study shows.

Pediatric Trial Data Back Apixaban as Alternative to Standard-of-Care Thromboprophylaxis

Dec 04, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Chronic anticoagulation with apixaban is a safe alternative to vitamin K antagonists or low-molecular-weight heparin in children with congenital or acquired heart disease at risk of thromboembolism, according to new trial data.

Continuous Thermodilution Shows Greater Reliability vs. Bolus in Assessing Microvascular Resistance – Single-Center Study

Nov 27, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Compared with bolus thermodilution, continuous thermodilution yields lower values of coronary flow reserve (CFR) and microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) accompanied by an almost threefold reduction of the variability in the measured results, new study data suggest.

PCI or CABG? Machine Learning Model Improves Risk Stratification, Reports Study

Nov 20, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A machine learning (ML) risk stratification model is both “feasible and effective” in deciding which patients will benefit most from either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), new research reports.

High-Intensity Lipid-Lowering Therapy After AMI Discharge Lowers 5-Year Mortality Rates in Very Elderly Patients: FAST-MI Registry Analysis

Nov 13, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

High-intensity lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) given immediately following discharge after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is associated with reduced mortality rates at 5-years post-discharge in very elderly patients, an analysis of the FAST-MI registry shows.

KABUKI Trial: Edoxaban Noninferior to Warfarin to Prevent Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in CTEPH

Nov 13, 2023 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

A 48-week course of edoxaban was non-inferior to warfarin in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as treatment to prevent pulmonary vascular resistance, new trial results show.

Pharmaco-Invasive Strategy Provides Alternative for Older STEMI Patients Unable to Undergo Primary PCI, STREAM-2 Follow-Up Study Suggests

Nov 13, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

A half-dose of tenecteplase shows similar outcomes to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who are 60 years of age or older, a new analysis shows.

STEROHCA: Methylprednisolone Reduces Inflammation, but Not Cardiac or Neurological Injury, vs. Placebo in Resuscitated OHCA Patients

Nov 13, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

PHILADELPHIA – Methylprednisolone significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-6 levels in patients resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) compared to placebo, new trial results show.

IL-1 Inhibitor Goflikicept Reduces Post-STEMI Inflammation, but Does Not Show Clinical Benefit, vs. Placebo: Phase 2 Trial Results

Nov 13, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

PHILADELPHIA – The interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor goflikicept significantly reduced the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to new phase 2 trial results.

ECLS-SHOCK Analysis: ECLS Does Not Reduce 30-Day Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock Regardless of OHCA

Nov 12, 2023 by
Abhishek Chaturvedi, MD, CRTonline.org

Among infarct-related cardiogenic shock patients with or without pre-hospital cardiac arrest, routine use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) did not improve 30-day mortality but led to increased bleeding and peripheral vascular complications, according to a sub-analysis of the prospective ECLS-SHOCK trial.

Experimental Antiplatelet Drug CG-0255 Shows Advantages over Clopidogrel – Phase I Trial

Nov 12, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

PHILADELPHIA – The experimental antiplatelet drug compound CG-0255 demonstrated several advantages over clopidogrel and was well-tolerated by patients, according to new phase I trial results.

Complete Revascularization’s Benefit over Culprit-Lesion-Only PCI Seen Regardless of Whether Patients Have LAD Lesions – COMPLETE Trial Analysis

Nov 11, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The benefit of complete revascularization over culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), previously shown in the COMPLETE trial, was consistent whether or not multivessel disease patients had lesions in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, an analysis of the COMPLETE trial shows.

Restrictive, Liberal Transfusion Strategies Show Similar 30-Day Results in AMI with Anemia: MINT Trial

Nov 11, 2023 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

In patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia, there was no significant difference in the 30-day risk of recurrent myocardial infarction or death between a restrictive vs. a liberal blood transfusion strategy, new randomized trial results show.

ISCHEMIA Trial Analysis: Revascularization Has Higher Risk Periprocedurally, Lower Risk Later vs. Medical Therapy in Stable CAD

Nov 11, 2023 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

Revascularization by percutaneous coronary interventional (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was associated with higher early risks and lower long-term risks of cardiovascular events compared with a conservative strategy in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), according to new findings from the ISCHEMIA trial.

In Stable CAD with Evidence of Ischemia, PCI Improves Angina Symptoms Score – The ORBITA-2 Study

Nov 11, 2023 by
Lior Lupu, MD, MBA, CRTonline.org

In patients with stable angina and evidence of ischemia who are not on antianginal medication, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improved angina symptoms score, an effect driven by a reduction in angina frequency.

SELECT: Semaglutide Shows Early, Consistent CV Benefit vs. Placebo in Overweight, Obese, Nondiabetic Patients with CVD

Nov 11, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

PHILADELPHIA – The cardiovascular benefit of semaglutide over placebo starts early and continues through 4 years post-randomization in adults who are overweight or obese, have established cardiovascular disease and do not have diabetes, according to new results from the SELECT trial.

Studies Show Potential of Mining Large Biobanks to Aid Cardiovascular Drug Discovery

Nov 06, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Two studies show the “critical role” that large biobanks may play in the process of discovering drug targets for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure.

DCB Noninferior to DES in ACS: Randomized Trial

Oct 26, 2023 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) was found to be non-inferior to drug-eluting stent (DES) for treating de novo lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in terms of fractional flow reserve (FFR) at 9 months, according to the DCB-ACS trial.

DCB, DES, but Not POBA, Reduce Repeat Revascularization in DES-ISR Patients: ISAR-DESIRE 3 Analysis

Oct 26, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

SAN FRANCISCO – First and recurrent revascularizations may be reduced with the use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) or drug-eluting stents (DES) rather than balloon angioplasty, a secondary analysis of the ISAR-DESIRE 3 trial shows.

SWEDEHEART Analysis: PCI Guided by iFR or FFR Shows Similar 5-Year Outcomes in All-Comers Patients

Oct 25, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, MD, MHA, CRTonline.org

Similar outcomes were seen at 5-year follow-up in all-comers patients undergoing coronary revascularization guided by instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) or fractional flow reserve (FFR), according to a new analysis of the SWEDEHEART national registry.

Chinese Trial: Sirolimus DCB Shows Similar Results vs. Paclitaxel DCB in Coronary DES-ISR Lesions

Oct 25, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

SAN FRANCISCO – A novel sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB) showed noninferior results to a clinically proven paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) in terms of late lumen loss (LLL) at 9 months post-implantation to treat coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) from previously implanted drug-eluting stents (DES), according to a new randomized trial.

PiCSO-Assisted PCI Shows Similar Adverse Event Rate, Infarct Size Reduction vs. Conventional PCI – Randomized Trial

Oct 25, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

SAN FRANCISCO – Pressure-controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (PiCSO)-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) does not have a higher rate of adverse events, but does have increased contrast dye volume, longer procedure times and more radiation exposure than conventional PCI in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), an analysis of the PiCSO-AMI-I trial shows.

Less Than 1 Month DAPT Pre-Ticagrelor Both Noninferior, Superior to Standard DAPT Post-PCI with DES

Oct 25, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

SAN FRANCISCO – Less than 1 month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by ticagrelor monotherapy post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) met both the noninferiority and superiority thresholds in comparison with standard 12-month DAPT with ticagrelor and aspirin, primarily due to significant decreases in rates of major bleeding, a new study shows.

Paclitaxel DCB Beats Balloon Angioplasty in Treating Coronary ISR Lesions – AGENT IDE Trial

Oct 25, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

SAN FRANCISCO – A paclitaxel-coated balloon showed superior efficacy to balloon angioplasty in treating coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) in a pivotal trial.

TWILIGHT Trial Post Hoc Analysis: 9% of Patients Stopped Taking Ticagrelor Because of Dyspnea Post-PCI

Oct 23, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor was discontinued due to dyspnea in nearly 1 in 10 patients in the TWILIGHT trial, and this happened earlier after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a post hoc analysis of the trial.

SCAI Shock Classification Is a Powerful Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery ICU Patients, Study Finds

Oct 16, 2023 by
Abhishek Chaturvedi, MD, CRTonline.org

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock stages predict postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and mortality in cardiac surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) patients, a new study shows.

Women With MINOCA Report Less Stress vs. Women with MI with Obstructive CAD: HARP Analysis

Oct 16, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

High stress is less frequently reported in the 4 weeks prior to and 2 months after myocardial infarction (MI) in women who have myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) compared with women who have MI with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), despite no significant between-group differences in depressive symptoms acutely or at follow-up, a secondary analysis of the HARP study shows.

Impella Connect System App Is Unapproved Medical Software Device Requiring Regulation, FDA Warns Abiomed

Oct 12, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned Abiomed Inc. that its Impella Connect System is a device that is subject to the premarket approval (PMA) process and that the company failed to secure this approval.

FRAME-AMI Post Hoc Analysis: Angiography Guidance Leads to Increased Unnecessary PCI of Non-Infarct-Related Artery vs. FFR

Oct 09, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with multivessel disease who undergo angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), unnecessary PCI of the non-infarct-related artery (non-IRA) is performed in 30% of procedures, which results in a significant increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with patients who have deferred PCI for non-IRA lesions, a new comparative analysis shows.

CABG Shows Improved Outcomes vs. PCI in MVD Patients with Diabetes: BEST Trial Extended Follow-Up

Oct 09, 2023 by
Pavan Reddy, MD, CRTonline.org

Among patients with multivessel disease (MVD) and diabetes, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), showed lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the long-term follow-up of the BEST trial.

Post-PCI FFR Shows Poor Predictive Ability in LAD, Moderate Ability in Other Vessels: Meta-Analysis

Oct 09, 2023 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

The left anterior descending (LAD) artery is associated with lower post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) fractional flow reserve (FFR) than non-LAD arteries, suggesting that post-PCI FFR should be interpreted in a vessel-specific manner, according to a patient-level meta-analysis.

IMR Measured Directly Post-Primary PCI Can Predict Mortality for STEMI Patients – Pooled Analysis

Oct 09, 2023 by
Lior Lupu, MD, MBA, CRTonline.org

The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) measured directly after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was found in a new pooled analysis to be an independent predictor of cardiac death through 5-year follow-up.

HOST-EXAM Analysis: Clopidogrel Shows Benefit vs. Aspirin After Post-PCI DAPT, Regardless of Patients’ Ischemic, Bleeding Risks

Oct 09, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, MD, MHA, CRTonline.org

The beneficial effect of clopidogrel over aspirin monotherapy following dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is consistent regardless of clinical risk or relative ischemic and bleeding risks, according to a new post hoc analysis of the HOST-EXAM trial.

1-Month DAPT Post-PCI in HBR Patients Shows Similar Death, MI at 1 Year vs. 3-Month DAPT

Oct 04, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with high bleeding risk (HBR) who undergo dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 1 month post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have similar rates of all-cause death or myocardial infarction (MI) to patients receiving 3 months of DAPT, a new analysis shows.

Race-Agnostic Assessment More Accurately Predicts Post-PCI AKI Risk in Black Patients: Analysis

Sep 25, 2023 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

Incorporating a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimate without a Black race term into the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI acute kidney injury (AKI) risk prediction model yielded more accurate prediction of AKI risk for Black patients, a new analysis concludes.

Updated AKI Risk Model Aims to Improve Patient Care Post-PCI

Sep 25, 2023 by
Lior Lupu, MD, MBA, CRTonline.org

The updated National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) risk model is a tool built to refine the prediction of AKI after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), aiming to facilitate patient care, benchmarking, and quality improvement.

Lower eGFR Predicts Increased Risk of MACE in Young Adults: Large Canadian Database Analysis

Sep 18, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were associated with an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and MACE plus heart failure (MACE+) in young adults between the ages of 18 and 39, a new study shows.

High Postoperative hs-cTnT Associated with Higher 30-Day Mortality After Cardiac Surgery – Single-Center Retrospective Study

Sep 18, 2023 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

Perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and other cardiac surgeries reflected by high perioperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is associated with high 30-day mortality, a new study shows.

IVL Beats POBA in Treating Calcified Coronary Lesions – Cadaver Study

Sep 11, 2023 by
Abhishek Chaturvedi, MD, CRTonline.org

In calcified coronary lesions, treatment with intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has superior efficacy compared with conventional plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA), a finding confirmed by histological analysis and dedicated intravascular imaging, according to a study of cadaver hearts.

Functional SYNTAX Score Predicts Similar Outcome with PCI, CABG for Half of 3-Vessel CAD Patients – FAME-3 Substudy

Sep 11, 2023 by
Kalyan R. Chitturi, DO, CRTonline.org

Measuring functional SYNTAX score (FSS) in patients with angiographic three-vessel coronary artery disease (3VD) can predict half of patients who would have similar 1-year clinical outcomes whether they underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to a subgroup analysis of the FAME 3 trial.

DIRO Trial: RA Shows Better Results vs. OA in OCT-Guided PCI

Sep 11, 2023 by
Waiel Abusnina, MD, CRTonline.org

Rotational atherectomy (RA) is associated with larger stent expansion and favorable tissue modification compared to orbital atherectomy (OA) in optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a new randomized trial.

Pre-TAVR Workup PCI Increases Risk for Late Bleeding Events – Multicenter Study

Sep 11, 2023 by
Dan Haberman, MD, CRTonline.org

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during preprocedural transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) workup are at higher risk for late bleeding events (LBEs), defined as >30 days after TAVR, a new study shows.

Observational Study: High CAC Associated with Increased Risk of All-Cause Death, Cardiovascular Outcomes

Sep 11, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Outside traditional risk prediction methods, patients with coronary artery calcium (CAC) ≥100 are at an increased risk of all-cause death and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, a new study shows.

Around Half of VT Episodes Linked With Failure to Enhance Sinus Rate, Researchers Conclude

Sep 04, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study concludes that almost one half of ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes are associated with failure to enhance the sinus rate (SR), as researchers suggest the link indicates a possible vasovagal response to VT.

RIGHT Trial Shows No Ischemic Benefit for Prolonged Anticoagulation Post-PCI in STEMI Patients

Aug 28, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Routine prolonged anticoagulation, for up to 48 hours after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is safe but does not provide an ischemic benefit at 30 days post-procedure, new randomized trial results show.

Inorganic Nitrate Consumption Improves Outcomes in Patients at Risk for Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury

Aug 28, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Contrast-induced kidney injury and cardiac events at 12 months were reduced in heart attack patients who were given dietary nitrate—these patients were angiographically observed to be at risk of kidney injury – and kidney outcomes were also improved at both 3 and 12 months, a new study shows.

Extended Clopidogrel Monotherapy Is Superior to DAPT in Bi-Risk ACS Patients: OPT-BIRISK

Aug 28, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

An extended 9-month clopidogrel monotherapy regimen was superior to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in reducing clinically relevant bleeding without increasing ischemic events among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients at both high bleeding and ischemic risks (bi-risk) who had already completed 9-12 months of DAPT after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation, randomized controlled trial data suggest.

PCI Guided by Intravascular Imaging Shows Reduced All-Cause Death, MI Rates vs. Angiography Guidance Alone – Meta-Analysis

Aug 27, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

For the first time, a network meta-analysis showed reduced all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) rates with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by intravascular imaging than with angiography guidance alone.

In STEMI Patients with Multivessel Disease, Immediate Non-Culprit PCI at Least on Par with Staged Procedure – Randomized Trial

Aug 27, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was noninferior to delayed multivessel PCI – but did show statistical significance – in reducing clinical events at 1 year post-procedure in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD), new trial findings show.

FLAVOUR Data Suggest Sex Differences in FFR- and IVUS-Guided PCI Strategies

Aug 27, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) led to a lower percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rate but had a similar prognostic value compared to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in both women and men, while women with intermediate stenosis had more favorable outcomes than men despite receiving fewer interventions, according to secondary analysis data from the FLAVOUR trial.

PCI Guided by OCT Yields Similar 1-Year TVF Rate to IVUS Guidance – Randomized Trial

Aug 27, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), guidance with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is non-inferior to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at 1 year post-procedure, a new study shows.

OCTOBER Trial: OCT Associated with Lower MACE vs. Angiography Alone in Patients with Bifurcation Lesions

Aug 27, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with complex coronary bifurcation lesions reduced major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after 2 years compared with angiography-guided PCI, according to new data from the OCTOBER trial.

OCT–Guided PCI Provides No Clinical Benefit vs. Angiography Alone at 2 Years: ILUMIEN IV

Aug 27, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) results in larger minimum stent area (MSA) than angiography guidance, but provides no apparent clinical benefit to target-vessel failure (TVF) at 2 years, according to new data from the ILUMIEN IV trial.

ECLS Does Not Improve Survival Rates in Treating Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock, Study Finds

Aug 26, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock who underwent revascularization did not improve survival rates compared to those receiving medical therapy alone, a new study concludes.

FIRE Trial Links Complete Physiology-Guided Revascularization to Lower Risk Complications vs. Culprit-Only PCI in MI Patients

Aug 26, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study finds that in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and multivessel disease, physiology-guided complete revascularization was associated with a lower risk of a composite of death, MI, stroke, or ischemia-driven revascularization than culprit-only revascularization.

Study Concludes CAD Transmitted from Donor a Risk Factor for CV Death and MACE in Heart Transplant Patients

Aug 21, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Significant transmitted coronary artery disease (s-TCAD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death and nonfatal major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing a heart transplantation (HT), says a new study.

SCAD and STEMI: New Study Supports Selective PPCI, Reveals Comparable Short-Term Outcomes

Aug 14, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Mortality and readmission rates for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are similar to those seen in patients undergoing PPCI for atherosclerotic STEMI, according to an analysis of real-world patient data.

Trial Data Support Use of P2Y12 Inhibitor Plus Low-Dose Colchicine Post-PCI in ACS Patients

Aug 14, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Discontinuing aspirin therapy and administering low-dose colchicine on the day after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in addition to ticagrelor or prasugrel P2Y12 inhibitors is associated with benefits for platelet function and inflammatory profiles in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, new trial data suggest.

CA-AKI Risk Score Update Identifies Patients With Heightened AKI and 1-Year All-Cause Mortality Risk

Aug 14, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New updates to the contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) risk score successfully identify patients at higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and 1-year all-cause mortality and bleeding.

UPDATED: FDA Issues Class I Recall for Cardiosave Hybrid and Rescue IABPs

Aug 10, 2023 by
CRTonline.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its Class I recall notice of the Cardiosave Hybrid and Rescue Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) on Thursday to provide more detail.

Similar Outcomes Between 1-Stent, 2-Stent Treatment of Medina 0.0.1 Bifurcation Lesions – Registry Analysis

Aug 09, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

One-stent and two-stent strategies for the treatment of Medina 0.0.1 bifurcation lesions have comparable outcomes, a new analysis shows.

Subcutaneous ICDs Are Safe, Highly Effective in Congenital Heart Disease Patients, Researchers Declare

Aug 07, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs) are highly effective in preventing arrhythmic death in congenital heart disease (CHD), say researchers, as they find the burden of acute and mid-term complications similar to that observed in non-CHD patients.

E-Gaming-Linked Arrhythmias Are ‘Extremely Rare,’ Review Concludes

Aug 07, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Electronic gaming–associated life-threatening arrhythmias are an extremely rare occurrence, concluded a research team, which carried out the largest single-center study to date on this issue.

Gender Bias: Women Authors Face Lower Citations and Altmetric Attention in High-Impact Cardiology Research

Jul 31, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Articles with women as primary or senior authors are cited less often and have lower Altmetric Attention Scores than papers written by men, according to an analysis of articles published in three major cardiology journals.

GLP-1 Agonists May Reduce Adverse CV Event Risk Regardless of SGLT2 Inhibitor Use in Patients with T2D, CVD: Post Hoc Analysis

Jul 31, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease, treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events independently of background sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor use, according to researchers.

Cardiac Troponin Predicts MI or CV Death in Patients with Chronic CAD, Study Suggests

Jul 31, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests that cardiac troponin predicts myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) independent of cardiovascular risk factors and disease severity.

BP Increases With Alcohol Use, Regardless of Amount Consumed: Review

Jul 31, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

There is a direct, linear association between alcohol consumption and systolic blood pressure (SBP), starting even with the first drink, and the association between alcohol use and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is modified by sex and geographic location, a new systematic review and meta-analysis shows.

ACC, AHA Release New Performance, Quality, Structural Measures for Coronary Artery Revascularization

Jul 27, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

New performance and quality measures for coronary artery revascularization programs in the hospital and continuing care in outpatient settings were released Thursday by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Class I Recall Issued for Impella Left-Sided Blood Pumps

Jul 27, 2023 by
CRTonline.org

Abiomed issued a recall for all Impella left-sided blood pumps because the devices’ instructions do not describe adequate precautions clinicians should take when treating patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday.

Ad Hoc PCI in Stable Patients: A Surprisingly High Rate Despite Guideline Recommendations

Jul 25, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Despite guideline recommendations for a heart team approach, ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is surprisingly common in stable patients with multivessel (MV) or unprotected left main (LM) disease, according to new registry data.

EASTBOURNE Data Show ‘Encouraging’ Safety and Efficacy Profile for Novel Sirolimus-Coated Balloon at Mid-Term Follow-Up

Jul 25, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The novel MagicTouch sirolimus-coated balloon shows an “encouraging” safety and efficacy profile in a broad spectrum of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, according to new data from the EASTBOURNE investigator-driven registry.

Less-Experienced Operators See Greater Benefits from IVUS in Complex PCI, Study Finds

Jul 25, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The beneficial effects of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are more prominent for less-experienced operators, according to new observational data from more than 6,000 patients with complex coronary artery lesions.

Combination Lipid-Lowering Therapy Linked to Favorable Clinical Outcomes and Drug Compliance, Post-DES Implantation Study Finds

Jul 24, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New findings suggest the use of a moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe as a combination lipid-lowering therapy is linked with favorable clinical outcomes and drug compliance in patients implanted with drug-eluting stents (DES), when compared to a high-intensity statin monotherapy.

Subcutaneous ICD System Post-Marketing Study Points to Long-Term Safety and Efficacy with Low Complication Rates

Jul 24, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Results from the largest prospective study of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) to date appear to confirm the device’s long-term safety and efficacy, with low complication rates and high and consistent shock efficacy observed.

Exposure to Polluted Air, Extreme Temperatures Increases MI Mortality Risk – Real-World Analysis

Jul 24, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

When people—especially women and older adults—are exposed to both extreme temperature events (ETEs) and ambient fine particulate matter (PM25), they are at greater risk for myocardial infarction (MI) mortality, according to new study results.

C-Reactive Protein Levels Linked to Heart Failure Risk, Study Concludes

Jul 24, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study suggests that higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are independently associated with an increased long-term risk of incident heart failure (HF) in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD).

ISCHEMIA Analysis Highlights the Importance of Complete Revascularization in Chronic Coronary Disease

Jul 17, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Complete coronary revascularization (CR) is associated with improved angina-related health status among patients with chronic coronary disease (CCD); however, in clinical practice, CR is achieved in only one-half of patients, according to a new analysis from the ISCHEMA trial.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels Not Linked with Increased AF Risk, Pooled Analysis Suggests

Jul 17, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

In vivo levels of omega-3 fatty acids are not associated with increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF), say researchers, who highlight their health benefits as reason to continue with current guidelines.

Adipose-Derived MicroRNA: A ‘Promising’ Target for Obesity-Related Heart Disease?

Jul 17, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

An epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) derived microRNA (miRNA) called miR-92a-3p is associated with improved heart health and reduced oxidative stress in the heart muscle, suggesting it may be a “rational therapeutic target” for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related heart disease, new data suggest.

LAAO May Reduce Fall-Related Injury Severity vs DOACs in AF-Related Stroke Patients, Study Finds

Jul 17, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study finds that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke treated by left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) show significantly reduced injury severity and shortened hospital length of stay after traumatic falls when compared to patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Ketone Ester Treatment Improves Outcomes in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock – Small Study

Jul 12, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) who were treated with exogenous ketone ester (KE), investigators observed improved cardiac output, biventricular function, tissue oxygenation and glycemic control, a new study shows.

Is Aspirin Becoming Obsolete?

Jul 03, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Compared with aspirin monotherapy, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), mainly owing to a lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) resulting in a reduced risk of adverse clinical events, a new meta-analysis reveals.

Cohort Study: Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity Doesn’t Drive Nonfatal MI, Cardiac Death, Unplanned Revascularization

Jun 29, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) who experienced a composite endpoint of cardiac death, nonfatal MI or unplanned revascularization, coronary atherosclerotic plaque activity was not associated with this primary endpoint. However, in a secondary analysis, a composite of cardiac death or MI demonstrated an association with plaque activity, a new study shows.

CRM Journal Receives First Impact Factor

Jun 28, 2023 by
CRTonline.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine (CRM), the official journal of the annual Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) meeting, has received its first Journal Impact Factor from Clarivate, 1.7.

PCI with Transradial Access Shows Fewer Complications vs. Transfemoral Access in AMI-CS Patients – Registry Analysis

Jun 26, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Transradial access (TRA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with significantly lower incidence of in-hospital major bleeding, mortality, vascular complications and new dialysis, compared with transfemoral access (TFA) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS), new registry data suggest.

Patients With AF Reap Benefits from Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Randomized Trial

Jun 26, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved atrial fibrillation (AF)-specific quality of life (QoL) and reduced health care use in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF, a new study shows.

Randomized Trial: Simplified Hydration Approach Safe and Convenient for CKD Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Jun 26, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A novel simplified hydration (SH) protocol is safe, convenient, and non-inferior to standard hydration protocols in preventing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), new trial data report.

Poor-Quality Distal Vessel Linked to Higher Complexity and Greater MACE in CTO PCI: Registry Data

Jun 26, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The quality of the distal vessel should be taken into account when planning and performing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to new multinational registry data.

Analysis: In-Stent Pressure Gradients Not Reliably Predictive of IVUS-Detected Stent Underexpansion

Jun 21, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-defined focal residual lesions in vessels with angiographically successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and post-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR) <0.90 were poorly to moderately identified using nonhyperemic pressure ratio (NHPR) and moderately to well identified using FFR. However, well-expanded and underexpanded stents cannot be distinguished via the in-stent pressure gradients, a new subanalysis shows.

‘Significant’ Changes in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes for STEMI Patients with COVID-19 in Early Pandemic: UK Observational Data

Jun 19, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The clinical characteristics, thrombus burden and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection varied across three waves of the pandemic; however, contemporary outcomes in patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection are similar except among unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, report new observational data from the U.K.

Alcohol Consumption’s CVD Benefits Tempered by Links to Malignancy, Study Suggests

Jun 12, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New findings suggest the benefit of light or moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is due to its ability to ease stress-related neural network activity. However, the researchers added that alcohol consumption’s link to malignancy and other potentially harmful effects mean this intervention is a less-than-perfect solution.

Beta-Blockers Linked to CV Event Reduction in CAD Patients After 5 Years, Study Concludes

Jun 12, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Newly prescribed beta-blockers are associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), and without a recent myocardial infarction or heart failure, 5 years after the initial diagnosis, a new study finds.

Migraine with Aura Significantly Associated with – but Not Predictive of – CVD Risk: Analysis

Jun 05, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Despite the strong association of migraine with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, the relatively low prevalence of migraine with aura (MA) compared with other risk factors limits its usefulness in improving risk classification at the population level, according to a new analysis of existing trial data.

MI Associated with Long-Term, but Not Incidental, Cognitive Decline, Study Shows

May 30, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Incident myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with more rapid declines in global cognition, memory and executive function over time, but not at the time of the event, a new pooled cohort study shows.

ACC, Other Organizations Release New Assessment Criteria for Chronic CAD

May 25, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The newly updated appropriate use criteria (AUC) for stress testing and anatomic diagnostic procedures for risk assessment and evaluation of known or suspected chronic coronary disease (CCD) were released Thursday by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Foundation and several specialty and subspecialty societies.

Meta-Analysis: No Difference in Noncardiac Mortality for Revascularization in Chronic Coronary Syndrome

May 22, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

There is no significant difference in non-cardiac mortality between revascularization plus medical therapy (MT) compared with MT alone in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), according to a new meta-analysis of existing trial data.

Study Highlights Potential Predictors of Coronary Obstruction Risk Post-TAVR

May 22, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Coronary obstruction (CO) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rare, but often fatal, complication, say researchers, who identify a lack of predisposing factors and challenges in treating the blockage as possible explanations.

2020 ESC Guidelines for NSTE-ASC Useful in Stratifying Post-PCI MACE Risk

May 19, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)provide impactful thrombotic risk criteria to help clinicians understand the management of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in categories with a significant risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a new analysis shows.

Novel Drug-Eluting Scaffold Noninferior to Commercial DES for TLF, Shows Better Restored Vessel Function at 1 Year

May 19, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A novel drug-eluting scaffold was noninferior to a commercially available current-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) in terms of target lesion failure (TLF) and improved restoration of vessel motion and function at 1 year, according to new randomized trial results.

Randomized Trial: QFR Guidance Reduces Stenting of Non-Culprit Lesions – but Not of Patients – in ACS

May 19, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The use of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) does not lead to fewer patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the non-culprit lesion compared to angiography guidance, but QFR does lead to fewer lesions being stented, new randomized trial results show.

Residual Ischemia After Otherwise Successful LM Bifurcation PCI Associated with Higher CV Death Risk, Post Hoc Analysis Shows

May 17, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Residual ischemia after angiographically successful left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was identified in 13.2% of patients, and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death at 3 years, a new study shows.

Randomized Trial: Software to Augment Coronary Angiography Can Help Reduce Contrast Volume During PCI

May 17, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The use of software that projects a virtual coronary roadmap onto the fluoroscopy led to significantly reduced amounts of contrast during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), new randomized trial results show.

After Higher Event Risk Through 3 Years, Absorb BVS Shows Similar 5-Year Results to DES – ABSORB IV Trial

May 17, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) posted similar results to a metallic drug-eluting stent (DES) at 5 years, with the BVS showing higher event risk through the first 3 years, which is how long it takes to completely resorb, according to new findings from the ABSORB IV trial.

NHANES Analysis Reveals ‘Important Differences’ in High-Sensitivity Troponin 99th Percentile Reference Limits

May 15, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

There are important differences in the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) for high-sensitivity (hs) troponin assays by age and sex but no significant differences by race or ethnicity, according to a new analysis of NHANES data.

Insights into Takotsubo Syndrome Reveal Therapeutic Target Potential, According to Study

May 15, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

New hemodynamic insights into takotsubo syndrome (TTS) reveal a potential therapeutic target, as researchers suggest the use of medications that lengthen the heart’s systolic period, improving contractility in the process.

Deep Neural Network Sufficiently Predicts LVEF from Coronary Angiograms – Cross-Sectional Study

May 10, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

A video-based deep neural network (DNN) may be used to estimate left ventricular (LV) systolic function using left coronary angiogram (LCA) videos, a new analysis suggests.

High Radial Wall Strain Linked to Acute MI in Patients with Mild to Intermediate Lesions

May 08, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A high-strain pattern identified from measures of angiography-derived radial wall strain (RWS) may be associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) events in patients with angiographically mild to intermediate lesions, new data suggest.

BCIS CHIP Score Represents ‘Good Predictive Value’ in PCI Patients After 1 Year, Study Concludes

May 08, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society’s (BCIS) scoring system that assesses the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 1 year in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has a “good predictive value,” according to researchers.

Long-Term Data Show Reduced Adverse Events for Newer DCB Devices vs. DES Technology: PICCOLETO II Data

May 08, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Patients with de novo lesions in small-vessel disease (SVD) may have a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) when they are treated with the current-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with the new-generation paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (DCB), new data suggest.

Opening PCI Hospitals in Average-Capacity, but Not Saturated, PCI Areas Benefits AMI Patients – Analysis

May 03, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Opening a hospital that provides percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with substantial benefits for Medicare fee-for-service patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who live in areas with average PCI capacity, but not for patients who live in already highly served areas, according to a new analysis.

Women More Likely to Return to Hospital 12 Months After Heart Attack, Study Concludes

May 01, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) experience more adverse outcomes and are more likely to end up back in the hospital compared to men in the year following discharge, suggests a new study.

Lp(a) and Oxidized Phospholipids Independently Associated with CAD Outcomes: CASABLANCA Data

May 01, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) are associated with severity and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other established clinical predictors, according to findings from the CASABLANCA trial.

Transvenous Lead Extraction Procedure in CIED and Endocarditis Patients Is Low Despite Low Complication Rate, Study Finds

Apr 24, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The use of transvenous lead removal/extraction (TLE) in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) and endocarditis remains low despite a low rate of procedural complications, a study says.

Invasive Approach Achieves ‘Small Improvements’ in Older Adults with CCD – ISCHEMIA Trial Analysis

Apr 24, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A new study finds that an invasive approach results in smaller improvements in angina-related health status and quality of life (QOL) among older patients with chronic coronary disease (CCD) and ischemia.

Long-Term Adverse Events Reduced in Patients with De Novo Small-Vessel Lesions Treated with DCB vs. Current DES

Apr 19, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

When patients with de novo lesions in small-vessel disease are treated with the present-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), there is a higher risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared with patients treated with the new-generation paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB), a long-term follow-up study shows.

Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Independently Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Post-Fontan Adults

Apr 17, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Invasively measured exercise hemodynamics are associated with impaired exercise capacity and elevated N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in adults who have undergone Fontan palliation, according to new data suggesting that they may be more sensitive in predicting clinical outcomes than resting hemodynamic measurements.

Green Mediterranean Diet Appears to Promote Greater Proximal Aortic Stiffness Reduction, Study Finds

Apr 17, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Adopting a low-calorie, green Mediterranean diet could reduce proximal aortic stiffness (PAS), which is a marker for vascular aging and a risk factor to reliably predict morbidity and mortality, new research concludes.

Utilization of Pediatric Post-Cardiac Surgery Care Differs by Race and Ethnicity, Medicaid Study Finds

Apr 17, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

There are ethnic and racial disparities in accessibility and ease of primary care visits for children recovering from cardiac surgery, a new study suggests, as researchers lay bare the significant needs and costs of long-term pediatric health care.

‘Next-Gen’ Triglyceride-Based DCB Non-Inferior for Late Lumen Loss in Patients with ISR

Apr 10, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Dissolve DCB, a novel triglyceride-based paclitaxel-coated balloon, is non-inferior to the next-generation SeQuent Please for in-segment late lumen loss (LLL) in patients with drug-eluting stent (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR), new trial data report.

TAILOR-PCI Trial Shows Significant Reduction in Ischemic Events with Genetically Guided P2Y12 Inhibitor Strategy

Apr 10, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Genetically guided (GG) selection of P2Y12 inhibitor after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be used routinely to reduce ischemic events, say researchers as a new analysis of data from the TAILOR-PCI trial shows 40% reduction in cumulative ischemic events per patient.

MASTER DAPT Final Results Confirm Initial Findings: Lower Bleeding Risk, Similar Adverse Events in HBR Patients Post-PCI

Apr 10, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

The risk of major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding is lower in patients undergoing abbreviated antiplatelet therapy (APT) compared to standard APT after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to final findings of the MASTER DAPT randomized trial.

Study: ‘Residual Effects’ of Redlining Show in Present-Day New York City Stroke Prevalence

Apr 05, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Even though the racially discriminatory housing policy known as redlining ended more than 50 years ago in the U.S., a new study released Wednesday found an association between areas of New York City that were redlined and increased stroke risk among present-day residents, even after controlling for other social determinants of health (SDOH).

UK Biobank Data Identify Gene Loci Associated with Aortic Distention

Apr 03, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The genetic determinants of aortic function may influence risk for stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD) and may lead to novel targets for medical interventions, according to a new analysis of UK Biobank data.

Often Overlapping: Social Determinants of Health Will Continue to Increase in Relevance

Apr 03, 2023 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Addressing often overlapping social determinants of health (SDOH) will become increasingly commonplace for patient management, as both clinical and health systems continue to understand their importance and relevance to cardiovascular health, warns a new review.

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Has Grown Safer as Treatment for CTEPH – Systematic Review

Mar 22, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has naturally become safer due to its increasing usage over the years, a new analysis shows.

Culprit-Lesion-Only PCI Remains Preferred Strategy in Multivessel Disease with Cardiogenic Shock and Cardiac Arrest – CULPRIT-SHOCK Analysis

Mar 20, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

More than half of patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock (CS) also experienced cardiac arrest (CA), which a new analysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK randomized trial shows was an independent predictor of mortality at 1-year follow-up.

LODESTAR Trial: ‘Treat-to-Target’ Statin Therapy Noninferior to High-Intensity Regimen in CAD Patients

Mar 06, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A strategy of using moderate statin therapy and adjusting until a target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 50 to 70 mg/dL was achieved was noninferior to a high-intensity statin regimen at 3 years in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), new randomized trial results show.

Inflammation a Stronger Predictor of CV Event Risk Than Cholesterol Levels, Trial Review Finds

Mar 06, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Inflammation is a stronger predictor for risk of future cardiovascular events and death than cholesterol levels, according to a collaborative analysis of three randomized trials.

Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor MK-0616 Significantly Reduces LDL-C vs. Placebo at 8 Weeks: Randomized Trial

Mar 06, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Using varying dosage levels, the oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616 significantly and clinically reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with hypercholesterolemia and a wide range of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and background statin therapy compared to placebo after 8 weeks, new randomized trial results show.

FlowTriever System Can Be a Front-Line Treatment in High-Risk PE, Concludes FLAME Study

Mar 05, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A mechanical-based thrombectomy using the FlowTriever (FT) System is viable as a front-line treatment for high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), according to findings presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions 2023 in New Orleans.

HOST-IDEA Trial: 3- to 6-Month DAPT Noninferior to 12-Month DAPT in Patients Undergoing PCI

Mar 05, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Among patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with third-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), net adverse clinical events (NACE) were similar between patients who were prescribed a shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; 3 to 6 months) or standard DAPT (12 months), a new study shows.

BIOVASC Trial: Immediate Complete Revascularization Noninferior to Staged Strategy at 1 Year in ACS Patients with Multivessel CAD

Mar 05, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Immediate complete revascularization was noninferior to staged complete revascularization in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) at 1-year follow-up, new randomized trial results show.

Intravascular Imaging Reduces Death Risk by Almost 40% vs. Angiography, Study Finds

Mar 05, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Intravascular imaging–guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) lowers the risk of death from cardiac causes by nearly 40% when compared to angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex coronary-artery lesions, according to a new study.

Machine Learning-Based CT-FFR Lowers Invasive Coronary Angiography Rate vs. Standard Care in Stable CAD Patients – TARGET Trial

Mar 04, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Fewer patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent invasive coronary angiography without requiring intervention within 90 days or obstructive disease when on-site computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) with machine learning was used, a new study shows.

PCI Does Not Improve Prognosis or LV Recovery in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy vs. Medical Therapy Alone, Study Suggests

Mar 04, 2023 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve prognosis or left ventricular (LV) recovery in ischemic cardiomyopathy, compared to optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone, regardless of viability characteristics at baseline, according to a new study.

PCI Post-TAVI Shows Better 2-Year Outcomes Than Concurrent or Pre-TAVI Procedures

Feb 28, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

At 2 years, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) showed significantly lower rates of all-cause death and a composite endpoint compared with other PCI timings relative to TAVI, a new analysis shows.

Preclinical Trial Shows Different Strengths of PSP, PKP Bifurcation Provisional Stenting

Feb 27, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A preclinical comparison of two bifurcation proximal stenting techniques yielded better preservation of circularity in the proximal main vessel for proximal optimization technique (POT)/side-branch/POT (PSP) but better expansion and apposition in the distal main vessel and better side-branch scaffolding for POT/kissing balloon/POT (PKP).

Fiber-Optic Pressure Wire Yields Similar Discordance Between FFR, dPR in Lesion Assessment – READI EPIC-14 Study

Feb 26, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Use of a fiber-optic pressure wire for physiologic assessment yielded discordance between two measures, diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) similar to that with piezo-electric sensors, a new study shows.

Coronary Stent Infection Post-PCI Potentially Fatal, May Be Preventable: Meta-Analysis

Feb 26, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Coronary stent infection (CSI) may potentially be a preventable complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but several larger studies are needed to understand unknown risk factors and clinical outcomes, a new meta-analysis shows.

BIOMAG-I: Third-Generation Magmaris Stent Posts Better 6-Month Results vs. Predecessor

Feb 26, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The third-generation resorbable magnesium scaffold showed significantly lower in-scaffold late lumen loss (LLL) than its predecessor at 6-month follow-up, and it showed “very good safety and efficacy,” according to a first-in-man study.

PCI or CABG a ‘Reasonable Strategy’ for Patients with LM Disease and Diabetes, Pooled Analysis Finds

Feb 26, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Among patients with left main (LM) coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing revascularization, the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) resulted in a significantly higher death rate at 5 years compared with patients without DM, a new pooled analysis of four major randomized controlled trials shows.

Clopidogrel Shows More Long-Term Benefit vs. Aspirin in ACS, Non-ACS Patients After Event-Free DAPT Post-PCI: HOST-EXAM Subgroup Analysis

Feb 26, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or non-ACS who were on clopidogrel monotherapy after 6-18 months of event-free dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and without any ischemic and major bleeding events had more long-term clinical benefit than patients on post-DAPT aspirin monotherapy, a new subgroup analysis of the HOST-EXAM study shows.

Novel Micropuncture Technique for Common Femoral Access Shows More Success, Fewer Complications vs. Standard Technique – Randomized Trial

Feb 25, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Common femoral access (CFA) achieved with a novel technique using a micropuncture needle (MPN) resulted in fewer needle attempts and significantly fewer vascular complications, according to a new study.

EASTBOURNE Registry Subgroup Analysis: MagicTouch Sirolimus DCB Shows Safety, Efficacy in Treated De Novo Lesions Left with Dissection

Feb 25, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The MagicTouch sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB), which demonstrated adequate safety and efficacy in treating de novo coronary lesions at 1 year, showed an “excellent” safety and efficacy profile concerning those lesions that resulted in a dissection, a new study sub-analysis shows.

Onyx ONE Clear Subgroup Analysis: No Sex-Based Outcome Differences at 2 Years after 1-Month DAPT Post-PCI

Feb 25, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Complex male and female coronary patients with high bleeding risk (HBR) who underwent 1 month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent (DES) showed no differences in 2-year outcomes, according to a subgroup analysis of the Onyx ONE Clear trial.

UNIVERSAL Trial Subgroup Analysis: Patients Receiving a VCD May Benefit from Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Access

Feb 25, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Ultrasound (US) may benefit patients receiving a vascular closure device (VCD). US-guided femoral access — compared with femoral access without concurrent US use — is associated with fewer complications related to bleeding and vascular events in patients receiving a VCD, according to a subgroup analysis of the UNIVERSAL trial.

Long-Term Survival Not Dependent on Number of SVGs in Single-Arterial Graft CABG

Feb 20, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Surgeons’ preferences for vein graft utilization do not determine long-term survival in Medicare patients undergoing single-arterial graft (SAG) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a new study reveals.

FAVOR III China Analysis: Angiography-Derived Radial Wall Strain Shows Promise in Predicting 1-Year Vessel-Related Event Risk

Feb 20, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Among vessels with preserved coronary flow, angiography-derived radial wall strain (RWS) analysis has the potential to further discriminate vessels at risk of 1-year adverse events, according to a post hoc analysis of the FAVOR III China study.

Cardiology Groups’ Statement Seeks to Define Advanced Training for Interventional Cardiology

Feb 16, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) emphasized the importance of maintaining and updating standards of care and advancing skills in the practice of interventional cardiology in a new statement.

Periprocedural Adverse Events Associated with Mortality after Both PCI and CABG for Left Main Disease: EXCEL Post Hoc Analysis

Feb 13, 2023 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Major adverse events (MAE) after both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main disease were strongly associated with early and late mortality (5 years), according to a post hoc analysis of the EXCEL trial.

In Complex CAD Patients Ineligible for CABG, PCI Shows Similar Short-Term Mortality vs. Surgical Risk Models, Higher Mortality vs. PCI Models – Registry Analysis

Feb 13, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

In patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) deemed ineligible for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) was associated with short-term mortality that was similar to predicted mortality using surgical risk models, lower than the evaluating surgeon’s estimates of mortality risk with bypass surgery, yet substantially higher than predicted using PCI risk models, a new registry analysis shows.

Short DAPT with P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Shows Similar Ischemic Events, Reduced Bleeding vs. Standard DAPT Course: Pooled Analysis

Feb 06, 2023 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 1 to 3 months after complex percutaneous intervention followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy showed a similar rate of death and ischemic events and reduced major bleeding compared to standard DAPT, regardless of whether the patients underwent complex or non-complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a new pooled analysis of five randomized control trials (RCTs).

Study: Acute Cardiac Events Associated with Severe COVID-19 Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with Underlying CV Disease

Feb 06, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Acute cardiac events are common during COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, particularly among patients with underlying cardiac disease, and are associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, according to a new study.

Acute Coronary Occlusion Present at Same Rate in OHCA Regardless of Hemodynamic Stability – Swiss Study

Jan 30, 2023 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients with non-ST elevation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), 1 in 5 were found to have acute coronary occlusion – shown to be a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality – with no significant difference in the occurrence of acute coronary occlusion between hemodynamically stable and unstable patients, according to a new single-center study.

CV Death Is More Prevalent than Non-CV Death in Advanced CKD Patients: ISCHEMIA-CKD Analysis

Jan 23, 2023 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who had moderate to severe ischemia on stress testing, cardiovascular mortality was more common than death with non-cardiovascular or undetermined cause, a new analysis shows.

More US Hospitals Use hs-cTn Assays to Evaluate Suspected ACS, but Not Yet a Majority – NCDR Analysis

Jan 16, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Although more U.S. hospitals are using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays to evaluate and manage patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes, a majority still do not use them, despite hs-cTn assays being the preferred biomarker to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI).

PCSK9 Inhibition May Reduce Inflammation, Mortality in Patients with Severe COVID-19

Jan 16, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with intense COVID-19 inflammation while infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have better survival rates with PCSK9 inhibition than with placebo treatment, a new study shows.

Cathlas App Provides Video Library for Interventional Cardiologists

Jan 12, 2023 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Clinicians studying for the interventional cardiology boards, or experienced interventional cardiologists dealing with rare complications or facing uncommon anatomical anomalies, can now turn to an app to expand their knowledge.

No Antiplatelet Strategy Post-TAVR Showed Similar NACE, Lower Bleeding Rates vs. SAPT or DAPT: OCEAN-TAVI Registry

Jan 09, 2023 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

No antithrombotic therapy was associated with a comparable rate of net adverse clinical events (NACEs) to single-antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) or dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), according to a new OCEAN-TAVI Registry analysis.

Chinese Study: Hybrid Coronary Revascularization Shows Similar Long-Term Outcomes to CABG, Better Than PCI, in Multivessel CAD

Jan 09, 2023 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) provides satisfactory long-term outcomes in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, similar to those of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and better than those of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a new study.

Early Invasive Strategy Based on NSTEMI Symptom Onset Reduces Mortality: Registry Study

Jan 09, 2023 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), those who received catheter intervention within 48 hours of symptom onset had a lower risk of mortality than patients who had intervention after 48 hours, according to data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry–National Institutes of Health.

Multistep Percutaneous Intervention Procedures May Be Future of Takayasu Arteritis Treatment

Jan 02, 2023 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Stent-based percutaneous intervention (PI) strategies can safely treat most vascular lesions in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK), a new study suggests, contrary to prior TAK treatment guidelines. The study also suggests that repeated treatment of restenotic lesions substantially increases the success rate in patients with TAK.

Europe, Middle East, Africa CVD Burden, Characteristics Differ Widely

Dec 21, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, known as the EMEA region, a new report finds, which identifies high blood pressure as a primary cause of CVD worldwide.

A Study in Contrasts: Asia-Pacific Regions Have Highest and Lowest Incidence of CVD Globally

Dec 21, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Central Asia has the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality of all regions globally, driven by a heavy burden of ischemic heart disease across the region, while the High-Income Asia-Pacific region, made up of Japan, Brunei, South Korea and Singapore, has the lowest global rates, according to data from the Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases (GBD) study.

Report Highlights Incidence and Drivers of CVD in Americas

Dec 21, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison and Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Mortality rates linked with hypertensive heart disease have increased the most out of any cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States and Canada since 1990, while ischemic heart disease is the biggest disease burden in all regions of the Americas, according to the new Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases (GBD) report.

Registry Analysis Identifies ‘Significant’ Hospital-Level Variation in Survival After Cardiac Arrest in Cath Lab

Dec 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

There is significant hospital-level variation in patient survival after cardiac arrests occurring in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) in the United States, an analysis of registry data shows.

QFR-Guided Lesion Selection Increases Likelihood of ‘Complete’ Revascularization and Lower MACE: FAVOR III China Data

Dec 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Achieving functional complete revascularization (FCR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with “markedly” lower 1-year rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), with a higher likelihood of FCR coming from quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-guided lesion selection, new trial data report

Automated SYNTAX Score an Accurate Predictor of MACE Post-PCI, Study Finds

Dec 19, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Automatically computed anatomic complexity scores can be used to assess the longitudinal risk for residual ischemic disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a new study concludes.

Report Tracks Cardiovascular Disease Trends Across Global Regions

Dec 12, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death globally, according to an updated report released Monday.

Extremely Hot and Cold Temperatures Associated with Cardiovascular Deaths

Dec 12, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

People are at greater risk of mortality from a variety of common cardiovascular conditions when they are exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, a new study suggests. The investigators note that this research is increasingly important as the climate changes worldwide.

New AHA Scientific Statement Proposes Treatment Framework for Older Adults with ACS

Dec 12, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Older patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are more complex to treat than their younger counterparts because of the effects of aging and comorbidities. With that in mind, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a scientific statement Monday that seeks to incorporate geriatric risks into a treatment framework.

Interventional Cardiology Fellowships to Join National Matching Program

Dec 07, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

The National Resident Matching Program will add interventional cardiology to its fellowship match system, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) announced Wednesday.

Edoxaban an ‘Appropriate Alternative’ to Standard-of-Care Anticoagulants for Thromboembolism Prevention in Children: Phase 3 Data

Dec 05, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) edoxaban is a potential alternative mode of thromboprophylaxis in children with cardiac disease showing low rates of clinically relevant bleeding (CRB) and thromboembolism (TE), with advantages of once-daily dosing and infrequent monitoring requirement versus standard of care, according to new data from the ENNOBLE-ATE trial.

Not All Antioxidants Are Equal: Meta-Analysis Suggests Certain Dietary Supplements Benefit Cardiovascular Health

Dec 05, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Supplementation of some, but not all, micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health, with omega-3, folic acid and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) among the micronutrients that reduce cardiovascular risks, according to a new meta-analysis of more than 800 studies.

After PCI, Residual Angina More Common in Diffuse vs. Focal CAD – TARGET-FFR Substudy

Nov 30, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

The baseline pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD) can predict the likelihood of angina relief, according to a new study, which showed that residual angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is almost twice as common in patients with diffuse disease, whereas patients with a focal disease have greater improvement in angina and quality of life.

Ticagrelor, Prasugrel Have Similar Rates of MI, Death at 1 Year After PCI, Single-Center Data Analysis Shows

Nov 21, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor and prasugrel have similar rates of myocardial infarction (MI) and death at 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for either acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), according to a real-world analysis of data from a single center.

DRA Outperforms Conventional RA on RAO, Hematoma, but at Expense of Higher Access-Site Crossovers: Meta-Analysis

Nov 21, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

Distal radial access (DRA) lowered the risks of radial artery occlusion (RAO) and EASY (Early Discharge After Transradial Stenting of Coronary Arteries) grade ≥II hematoma but was associated with longer duration for radial artery cannulation and sheath insertion, more attempts and a higher rate of access-site crossover compared to conventional radial access (RA), according to the new meta-analysis.

High Platelet Reactivity Associated with Higher All-Cause Death at 1 and 5 Years Post-PCI, Korean Registry Study Shows

Nov 21, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Among patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspirin and clopidogrel, high platelet reactivity was associated with all-cause mortality and other adverse events at both 1 and 5 years compared to low platelet reactivity, new study results show

Study Suggests Limited Role for Limited Antegrade Subintimal Tracking in CTO PCI

Nov 21, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Limited antegrade subintimal tracking (LAST) is associated with lower procedural success, suggesting a limited role of LAST in contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO), according to a new study.

Elevated Lp(a) Shows ‘Similar’ CV Risks to FH: Population Data

Nov 14, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) associated with an elevated blood level of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is similar to that associated with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), according to a new analysis of population data that provides equivalence measures for risk between raised Lp(a), FH, and raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

2 ‘Clinical Likelihood’ Models Found to Improve CAD Risk Prediction Over Pretest Probability, Study Finds

Nov 14, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Two predictive models that estimate the clinical likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) have been found to improve outcome prediction compared with the basic pretest probability (PTP) model.

Genotype-Based Classification Shows Higher Precision vs. Phenotype-Based for Cardiomyopathy Outcomes

Nov 14, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Genotypic-based classification of cardiomyopathies (CMPs) shows a higher precision in predicting patient outcomes than phenotype-based classification, according to an analysis of new registry data.

Study Links Higher Maternal and Fetal Cardiac Events with SVD of Left-Sided vs. Right-Sided Bioprosthetic Valves

Nov 14, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

A study has found that in a cohort of pregnant women implanted with bioprosthetic valves (BPV), structural valve dysfunction (SVD) of left-sided BPVs was linked to higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to right-sided BPVs.

Botulinum Toxin A Does Not Significantly Reduce Post-Operative AF, Phase 2 NOVA Study Finds

Nov 07, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, botulinum toxin type A (AGN-151607) did not significantly reduce post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) events in the primary analysis of a phase 2 dose-ranging study.

ISCHEMIA-EXTEND Shows No Long-Term All-Cause Mortality Difference in Chronic CAD Patients

Nov 06, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Extended follow-up of the ISCHEMIA randomized trial over a median of 5.7 years demonstrated no difference in all-cause mortality between an initial invasive strategy and an initial conservative strategy for patients with chronic coronary disease, and a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and higher risk of non-cardiovascular mortality for the initial invasive strategy.

Test Stratification Based on CAD Risk Reduces Need for Catheterization vs. Usual Testing in Patients with Chest Pain – PRECISE Trial

Nov 06, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A “precision” strategy of evaluating patients with chest pain for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) with test deferral for low-risk patients and the use of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in elevated-risk patients showed a 70% reduction in the composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or catheterization without obstructive CAD compared to standard testing at 1 year, new trial results show.

Indobufen Lowered 1-Year Bleeding Risk vs. Aspirin as Part of DAPT in Patients with Negative Cardiac Troponin Undergoing DES Implantation – Chinese Study

Nov 06, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with indobufen and clopidogrel — compared with DAPT using aspirin and clopidogrel — significantly lowered the risk of 1-year bleeding without increasing ischemic events in Chinese patients with negative cardiac troponin undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation, new trial results show.

Olpasiran Reduces Lipoprotein(a) in Patients with Atherosclerotic CVD, Global Randomized Trial Reports

Nov 06, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

The use of olpasiran therapy in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease significantly reduces lipoprotein(a) concentrations, according to new randomized trial results.

Continuing Bivalirudin 2-4 Hours Post-PCI Reduces Mortality, Major Bleeding vs. Heparin in STEMI Patients – Chinese Trial

Nov 06, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), continuing the administration of bivalirudin for 2-4 hours after PCI reduced the risk of a composite of all-cause mortality or major bleeding compared to post-procedural heparin monotherapy, according to new randomized trial results.

Early VA-ECMO Did Not Improve Outcomes in Severe or Rapidly Deteriorating Cardiogenic Shock, Czech Study Shows

Nov 06, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

Patients with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock did not have improved clinical outcomes when veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was immediately implemented compared to its later use when patients had worsening blood flow complications, according to new randomized trial results.

At 15 Years Post-CABG, Radial Artery Graft Outperforms RITA, SVG – Australian Randomized Trial

Nov 06, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The RAPCO randomized controlled trial program is the first to show better clinical outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with radial artery (RA) grafting compared with grafts from both the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) and saphenous vein (SV), according to new results released Sunday.

Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Abiomed

Nov 01, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

Johnson & Johnson will acquire Abiomed through a tender offer valued at $16.6 billion, the two companies announced Tuesday.

Systematic Review Shows Benefits of Total Arterial Revascularization over SVG in CABG

Oct 31, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.com

A meta-analysis of 23 studies — and a second analysis with an unpublished dataset — demonstrated that all-cause mortality is likely reduced in patients when they do not receive saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) while undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and instead receive total arterial revascularization (TAR).

Meta-Analysis: P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Shows Lower MI Risk, Similar Major Bleeding vs. Aspirin Following DAPT Post-PCI

Oct 26, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy following dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) discontinuation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a significantly lower risk for myocardial infarction (MI) than aspirin monotherapy and with similar risks of major bleeding between the two regimens, according to a new meta-analysis.

ACC Consensus Document Calls on Integrated Treatment for Patients with ASCVD, Other Chronic Conditions

Oct 25, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A new expert consensus document calls for clinicians caring for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to consider any other chronic conditions and prioritize therapies that are expected to provide the most benefit while keeping in mind the patients’ lifestyle goals.

Cordis to Acquire MedAlliance

Oct 18, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

Cordis has agreed to acquire MedAlliance, the companies announced Tuesday.

Study: ‘Transformer’ Deep Learning Improves Diagnosis of Plaque Erosion by OCT vs. Convolutional Neural Network

Oct 17, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

A novel “Transformer”-based deep learning (DL) model improves diagnostic accuracy of plaque erosion by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in comparison to a convolutional neural network (CNN) DL model, according to a new study.

Men with SCAD are Younger, Report Greater Physical Stress than Women with SCAD

Oct 17, 2022 by
Bailey Salimes, CRTonline.org

While up to 90% of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are younger women with no prior risk factors for heart disease, men can also develop SCAD, according to a new analysis.

Review: Clinicians Need to Be Aware of Interactions between Paxlovid, CV Drugs

Oct 12, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NMVr), better known as Paxlovid, the drug that has proven to be an effective treatment for COVID-19, does interact with some prescribed cardiovascular medications, meaning some should be discontinued and that alternatives to NMVr should be given when the cardiovascular medication cannot be safely interrupted, according to a new review.

New ACC Consensus Document Aims to Streamline Decision-Making for Acute Chest Pain

Oct 11, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The American College of Cardiology released a new expert consensus document on clinical decision pathways (CDPs) for chest pain Tuesday, nearly a year after several societies, led by the American Heart Association (AHA) and ACC, released guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute chest pain in the emergency department (ED).

Different Doses of Sacubitril/Valsartan Show Similar Improvement in Biomarkers, Health Status – PROVE-HF Post Hoc Analysis

Oct 10, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), various doses of sacubitril/valsartan therapy showed similar improvement in prognostic biomarkers, health status, and cardiac remodeling, according to new study results.

Intensive BP Lowering Reduces Incident Malignant LVH: SPRINT Post Hoc Analysis

Oct 10, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Data from the SPRINT trial found that intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering, in comparison to conventional therapy, lowers incidence of malignant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and may also cause regression of malignant LVH at 2 years.

Genetic Mutation May Independently Predict Worse Outcomes in AMI-CS Patients – CULPRIT-SHOCK Analysis

Oct 10, 2022 by
Jason Wermers and Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is both clinically relevant in cardiovascular disease and an independent cardiovascular risk factor of the outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), according to a new analysis.

Ticagrelor Alone Reduces Bleeding vs. DAPT without Increasing Ischemic Risk Regardless of BMI: TWILIGHT Post Hoc Analysis

Oct 03, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

Ticagrelor monotherapy reduced bleeding events without increasing the risk of ischemic events compared to ticagrelor plus aspirin across different body mass index (BMI) categories, according to new study results.

PROVE-HF: Sacubitril/Valsartan Shows MR Reduction in HFrEF Patients

Oct 02, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The use of sacubitril/valsartan on top of optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and functional mitral regurgitation (MR) showed improvement in MR severity, according to new results from an observational study.

OCT-FFR Associated with TVF After PCI in Cases of ACS

Sep 28, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) is associated with target vessel failure (TVF) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a median follow-up of 36 months, and the presence of both OCT-FFR and thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) in a non-culprit vessel makes TVF more than 8 times likely than in other vessels, new study results show.

SUGAR Trial Hits Sour Note: Potential Superiority of Cre8 EVO DES vs. Resolute Onyx DES at 1 Year Disappears at 2 Years

Sep 19, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

BOSTON — Despite a signal of potential superiority of the Cre8 EVO drug-eluting stent (DES) over the Resolute Onyx DES at 1 year post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), the 2-year results failed to show superiority of the new DES.

High-Pressure Cutting Balloon Shows Promise for PCI in Patients with Significant Coronary Artery Calcifications

Sep 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Use of a cutting balloon inflated to high pressure provides significant benefits for patients with significant coronary artery calcifications (CAC) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) by increasing stent area and providing a more symmetric expansion of the stent at the calcium site, report new trial data.

OCT in Primary PCI Could Stratify MACE Risk Based on Underlying ACS Cause – Japanese Study

Sep 19, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enabled the stratification of future major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients indicated for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a new observational Japanese study.

IVL Does Not Increase Stent Expansion in Calcified Coronary Lesions Compared With Conventional Pre-Dilation: EXIT-CALC Study

Sep 19, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

In a small, randomized trial of 40 patients, intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) did not increase stent expansion by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in significantly calcified coronary lesions compared with conventional pre-dilation.

Short-Term Use of Rivaroxaban Can Reduce RAO Incidences by Half, Trial Suggests

Sep 19, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Short-term use of rivaroxaban can reduce incidences of radial artery occlusion (RAO) by 50%, according to a study presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2022 conference in Boston.

PCSK9 Inhibitors Must Be Tested as Routine Early STEMI Therapy in Large Trials, Researchers Urge

Sep 19, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

PCSK9 inhibition as a routine early therapy for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients – in addition to statins – should be investigated in a large outcomes trial after a 68-patient randomized trial showed a 22% low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction versus sham control, an investigator urged on Monday.

Post-PCI FFR Predicts TVF in Complex CAD, FAME 3 Substudy Shows

Sep 19, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance, low post-PCI FFR was associated with a significantly higher rate of target vessel failure (TVF) on both the vessel and patient levels, new study results show.

CTCA Can Help Reduce Post-ICA Complications and Procedure Time, Suggests Study

Sep 19, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) can help prevent procedural complications in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA), suggests a new study.

Lower Mortality Risk for Left Main Revascularization with CABG vs. PCI in National Swedish Registry

Sep 19, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) carried a lower mortality risk in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients undergoing revascularization for left main coronary artery disease (LM CAD) than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the latest analysis of a national online Swedish registry.

Extended Follow-Up Study Reports No Difference in Safety and Adverse Events Between PCI and CABG

Sep 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

There were no significant differences in the rates of major adverse cardiac events, safety composite endpoint, and mortality between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to new extended-follow-up of up to 14 years from the BEST study.

Ultrasonography-Aided Femoral Access Does Not Reduce Bleeding or Vascular Complications, Study Finds

Sep 18, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Ultrasonography use to gain femoral access did not reduce bleeding or vascular complications, according to researchers, who also found the test did reduce venipuncture risk and number of attempts.

No Significant 5-Year Mortality Difference Between Surgical and Percutaneous Repair of Post-Infarct VSD: UK Registry

Sep 17, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The first head-to-head comparison of surgical vs. transcatheter repair of a post-infarct ventricular septal rupture found no significant difference in 5-year cumulative all-cause mortality.

Study: Novel Tool Accurately Predicts Pathogenic Genotypes in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Sep 12, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A novel predictive tool, known as the Madrid Genotype Score, is able to accurately to assess the probability of a positive genetic test result in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and isolated left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) based on readily available clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics, research suggests.

Cumulative SBP Load a Better Predictor of Major CV Events in Diabetics, Suggests Study

Sep 12, 2022 by
Will Chu, CRTonline.org

Cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP) load may better predict major cardiovascular (CV) episodes compared with traditional blood pressure (BP) measures in patients with type 2 diabetes, new study results suggest.

‘Point-of-Care’ Troponin Measurement Shows Promise for Pre-Hospital ACS Rule-Out by Paramedics

Aug 30, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Use of pre-hospital rule-out of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) via point-of-care (POC) troponin measurement by ambulance staff resulted in significant reductions in healthcare costs with no difference in adverse events, new Dutch trial data suggest.

TOMAHAWK: At 12 Months, Immediate Angiography Shows No Benefit vs. Delayed Angiography in OHCA

Aug 29, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with either shockable or nonshockable rhythm and no ST-segment elevation, immediate coronary angiography did not reduce mortality at 12 months compared to delayed/selective angiography, according to new trial results.

Genotype-Guided P2Y12 Inhibitor Therapy Reduces Cumulative Ischemic Events Post-PCI: TAILOR-PCI Prespecified Analysis

Aug 29, 2022 by
Pavan Reddy, CRTonline.org

Genotype-guided antiplatelet management after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces cumulative ischemic events at 1 year without a significant increase in bleeding events, according to new study findings.

Meta-Analysis Shows Lower Risk of All-Cause Mortality, Major Bleeding for Transradial vs. Transfemoral Coronary Access

Aug 29, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Transradial access (TRA) was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and major bleeding at 30 days in comparison with transfemoral access (TFA) for patients undergoing coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a new meta-analysis.

PANTHER Meta-Analysis: P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Lowers Risk of CV Death, MI or Stroke vs. Aspirin Monotherapy in CAD

Aug 29, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke as compared with aspirin monotherapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a new meta-analysis.

PARADISE-MI Win-Ratio Analysis Shows Sacubitril/Valsartan Superior to Ramipril in Preventing CV Death or Heart Failure

Aug 29, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Sacubitril/valsartan was superior to ramipril among high-risk survivors of acute myocardial infarction (MI), according to a new post hoc win-ratio analysis of the PARADISE-MI randomized trial, even though the trial’s primary results showed no difference between the medications in cardiovascular death or incident heart failure.

FIDELITY: Finerenone Lowers Risk of SCD vs. Placebo in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, CKD

Aug 29, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

Finerenone significantly lowered the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), but not all-cause and cardiovascular (CV ) mortality, compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to an intention-to-treat analysis.

FOURIER-OLE: Long-Term Evolocumab Use Lowers CV Events, Including CV Mortality, in Atherosclerotic CVD

Aug 29, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Long-term use of evolocumab leads to further reductions in cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who were already on statin therapy, according to new study results.

Short DAPT’s Lower Bleeding, Lack of Ischemic Penalty vs. Standard DAPT Continue at 15 Months – MASTER DAPT Follow-Up

Aug 29, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

Early de-intensification of antiplatelet therapy in high-bleeding-risk (HBR) patients is associated with lower bleeding and no ischemic penalty at 15 months, despite the allowance of routine care at 1 year, confirming the 12-month results of the MASTER DAPT trial, new findings show.

Revascularization Still Shows No Benefit vs. Conservative Strategy in Stable CAD Patients with Advanced CKD at 5 Years – ISCHEMIA-CKD EXTEND

Aug 29, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and at least moderate ischemia on stress testing showed high rates of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 5-year follow-up of the randomized ISCHEMIA-CKD trial, while the trial’s initial comparative strategies – invasive vs. conservative – continued to show no significant difference in survival rates, new results show.

FFR Better Than Angiography at Selecting Non-Culprit Lesions for Intervention – FRAME-AMI Trial

Aug 28, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease, fractional flow reserve (FFR) is better than angiography to select non-culprit lesions for intervention, according to new randomized trial results.

PRE18FFIR Study: Novel Noninvasive Imaging Technique Predicts Future Event Risk in Patients with Recent MI

Aug 28, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonlinge.org

A novel, noninvasive, highly sensitive technique that uses an antimatter probe to light up the inflamed – or “hot” – disease in the coronary arteries predicts the future risk of fatal heart disease or heart attacks, according to a new study.

Routine Functional Testing at 1 Year Post-PCI Shows No Difference in 2-Year Outcomes vs. Standard Care in High-Risk CAD Patients – Korean Randomized Trial

Aug 28, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Routine functional testing of high-risk patients with obstructive coronary artery disease 1 year after they undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) did not improve clinical outcomes at 2 years compared to patients who received standard treatment, new randomized trial results show.

ALL-HEART: Allopurinol Does Not Improve CV Outcomes in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients without Gout

Aug 27, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A 600-mg daily dose of allopurinol did not improve cardiovascular outcomes compared with standard care in patients older than 60 years of age with ischemic heart disease but no history of gout, new trial results show.

REVIVED-BCIS2: PCI Did Not Lower All-Cause Mortality or HF Hospitalization vs. OMT Alone in Severe Ischemic LV Systolic Dysfunction

Aug 27, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) did not lower all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization compared to OMT alone in patients with severe ischemic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, new trial results show.

BOX Trial: High or Low Targets for Oxygenation, Blood Pressure in Resuscitated, Comatose Post-OHCA Patients Show Similar Results

Aug 27, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A strategy of restrictive or liberal oxygenation, or of a higher or lower target blood pressure, in comatose patients after resuscitation from cardiac arrest results in a similar incidence of death, severe disability or coma, according to new randomized trial results.

Timing of Blood Pressure Medication Does Not Impact Cardiovascular Risks: TIME Study

Aug 26, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Taking prescribed blood pressure (BP) medication in the evening is no better or worse than taking it in the morning for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to data from the U.K.’s TIME trial.

International Study: Ventricular PPM Associated with Higher Risk of Transplant, Death in Young Patients with Single-Ventricular Circulation

Aug 22, 2022 by
Pavan K. Reddy, CRTonline.org

In children with single-ventricular circulation, a permanent ventricular pacemaker (PPMv) is associated with an increased risk of heart transplantation or death, according to a new international retrospective study.

Genetic Score Shows Promise in Identifying CAD Patients Who Might Benefit from ICD

Aug 22, 2022 by
Ilan Merdler, CRTonline.org

A genome polygenic score for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (GPSCAD) may predict sudden arrhythmic death (SAD) and identify people who might benefit from defibrillator therapy, according to a to a new multicenter prospective study.

CAD Severity Is Associated with Adverse 5-Year Outcomes in TAVR, Reports Study

Aug 15, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with significantly worse 5-year outcomes. However, angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) did not improve outcomes, according to new prospective data.

Post-PCI FFR Optimization Guided by IVUS Does Not Lower Vessel Failure at 1 Year: Trial Data

Aug 15, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) fractional flow reserve (FFR) optimization significantly improved post-PCI FFR but did not significantly lower target vessel failure (TVF) at 1-year follow-up because of lower-than-expected event rates, which left the study underpowered, say researchers.

2 New Studies Highlight Persistent Nonadherence to Medicine Regimens by Cardiology Trial Patients

Aug 15, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Cardiology practitioners “must do a better job” of implementing existing patient-drug-adherence strategies, experts concluded after two new papers highlighted widespread nonadherence to medicine regimes – even in clinical trial settings.

US Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevalence Rates to Soar from 2025 to 2060: Population Study

Aug 01, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular disease prevalence will soar between 2025 and 2060 in the U.S., according to a new population study, which also predicts that racial and ethnic minorities will be disproportionately affected.

Nurse-Performed Lung and IVC Ultrasound May Provide Crucial Pre-Discharge Diagnostics

Jul 25, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Pre-discharge lung and inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment (LUICA) performed by heart failure (HF) nurses can provide crucial diagnostic support that is predictive of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) outcomes, a new trial suggests.

Animal Data Suggest Serotonin Receptor Antagonist Cyproheptadine May Block Post-MI Valve Remodeling

Jul 25, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT: or serotonin) type 2B receptor (5-HT2BR) antagonist cyproheptadine reduces 5-HT levels after myocardial infarction (MI), prevents valvular fibrotic remodeling, and is associated with a larger increase in mitral valve size and less mitral regurgitation (MR), new lab and animal data suggest.

Meta-Analysis Highlights Contrast Between RCT, Real-World Results for PCI in CTO Patients

Jul 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may not be representative of real-world patients and should be interpreted with caution, according to a new meta-analysis of data.

Chinese Study: Subintimal Plaque Modification with Guidewire Crossing Linked to Higher Success Rates in Repeat CTO PCI

Jul 18, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Investment in subintimal plaque modification (SPM) with guidewire (GW) crossing – a process that plans for subsequent reattempts during an initial chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure – is associated with a higher success rate in later reattempts, a new analysis shows.

Study: Updated PROGRESS-CTO Complication Score Provides Wider Risk Analysis for CTO PCI

Jul 18, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

New complication risk scores developed after wider updated analysis of data from the PROGRESS-CTO trial could help to better estimate the risks of periprocedural complications in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), say those behind the new scores.

International Experts Agree on 25 Standalone Criteria for Specialist Palliative Care Referral in Advanced HF

Jul 18, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

International experts have agreed on 25 criteria for the referral of advanced heart failure patients to specialist palliative care in a new Delphi study.

2 Phenotypes of Fulminant COVID-19-Related Myocarditis Identified in French Study

Jul 18, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Two distinct phenotypes of patients with sudden and severe COVID-19-related myocarditis have been identified in a new retrospective analysis of French intensive care unit (ICU) patients without a history of COVID-19 vaccination.

Novel Approach to Define SCAI Cardiogenic Shock Stages Could Improve Clinical Application of the System, Say Registry Researchers

Jul 11, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A novel “structured clinically actionable framework” for defining Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) stages of cardiogenic shock (CS) severity was proposed Monday, based on a study of one of the largest multicenter CS registries in the U.S.

Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis May Drive Disparities in CVD Risk for Non-Hispanic Black People: Study Data

Jul 11, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Non-Hispanic Black individuals are affected by atherosclerosis earlier in life and more severely than people of other racial and ethnic groups, potentially contributing to disparities in cardiovascular outcomes, a new analysis of real-world data suggests.

Systemic Thromboxane Generation Associated with All-Cause and CV Death, Irrespective of Aspirin Use

Jul 11, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Systemic thromboxane generation is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality irrespective of aspirin use, according to a new analysis of Framingham Heart Study data.

Early Revascularization Associated with Survival Benefit in Patients with Normal LVEF and Severe Inducible Myocardial Ischemia

Jul 11, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Early myocardial revascularization was associated with a significant reduction in mortality among both patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and severe inducible myocardial ischemia and patients with low LVEF and moderate or severe inducible myocardial ischemia, a new analysis suggests.

Study: DES Strut Thickness Does Not Impact Clinical Outcomes with Intravascular Imaging Guidance

Jul 05, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Strut thickness differences among drug-eluting stents (DES) have little impact on clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when implanted with intravascular imaging guidance, new trial data from Japan report.

Trial Backs Mavacamten to Reduce Need for Septal Reduction Therapy in Patients with Obstructive HCM

Jul 05, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Mavacamten significantly reduced the number of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) patients meeting guideline criteria for septal reduction therapy (SRT) after 16 weeks, new trial data reveal.

Two-Stent Approach Provides Benefit Over Provisional Stenting for Complex Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: 3-Year Data

Jul 05, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

At 3-year follow-up, a two-stent approach to complex coronary bifurcation lesions was associated with less target lesion failure (TLF), target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared to provisional stenting (PS); however, the benefits were seen solely in year 1, new trial data report.

Outlawed Discriminatory 'Redline' Housing Segregation Policies Still Associated With CV Risk Today

Jul 05, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Discriminatory housing policies known as "redlining" are still associated with heart disease and risk factors in the U.S. today, 60 years after they were outlawed, according to a study published Monday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

HF Treatment Must Refocus on Earlier Prevention, with Worsening HF Growing in the Outpatient Setting: Big Data Study

Jul 05, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Treatment goals for heart failure (HF) must shift from a focus on prevention of repeated hospitalizations to address patients earlier, before they reach inpatient care, a newly published study concludes.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Strategies Are ‘Unmet Need’ in Adult Cancer Survivors at Higher Risk: ARIC Findings

Jun 27, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular disease prevention strategies are needed for adult cancer survivors, according to the researchers of a new widescale study that found some cancer patients are at higher cardiovascular risk.

Empagliflozin Cuts Risk of CV Death, HF Hospitalization Irrespective of Age: New EMPEROR-Preserved Analysis

Jun 27, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Age had no effect on empagliflozin’s ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and the drug was well-tolerated in older patients, according to a new analysis of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial.

Analysis Backs Use of Remnant Cholesterol Levels to Predict Future Risk of MI, IHD

Jun 13, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The development of a cardiovascular risk algorithm such as SCORE or PCE) including remnant cholesterol together with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol would help to better identify high-risk individuals who could be candidates for statins in a primary prevention setting, a new analysis of population data suggests.

Meta-Analysis Confirms Safety of Intracoronary Acetylcholine Administration in Diagnosis of Epicardial and Microvascular Spasm

Jun 13, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Coronary provocative testing with acetylcholine (Ach) for the contemporary diagnosis of epicardial and microvascular spasm is a safe procedure with excellent safety records in Western studies; however, heterogeneity still exists because of the lack of a standardized provocation protocol and complication reporting, a new meta-analysis of clinical data concludes.

SMuRF-Less STEMI Patients Linked to Increased Risk of Reduced Flow Pre-PCI

Jun 06, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs), had a higher risk of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade of 0 or 1 pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a new patient-level pooled analysis of 10 clinical trials reports.

Resolute Onyx Polymer-Based Stent Continues to See Similar Safety and Efficacy as Polymer-Free BioFreedom Stent at 2 Years: Onyx ONE

Jun 06, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The Resolute Onyx polymer-based zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES) had similar safety and effectiveness outcomes compared to the BioFreedom polymer-free biolimus A9-coated stent in high-bleeding-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the final 2-year follow-up of the randomized Onyx ONE trial.

Distal Radial Access Safe, with Low Complication Rates, Similar Success to Proximal Radial Access, DIPRA Study Finds

May 19, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Distal radial artery (DRA) access is a safe strategy for cardiac catheterization, with a low complication rate and similar rate of success to proximal radial artery (PRA) access, according to early results from the DIPRA study.

In-Hospital STEMI Death Rates Soar for COVID-19 Infected Patients Regardless of Sex: NACMI Registry Analysis

May 19, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Around 30% of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with COVID-19 in the North American COVID-19 STEMI (NACMI) registry died in the hospital, a rate which – while elevated from pre-pandemic times – remained similar between men and women.

FANTOM II: Next-Gen Bioresorbable Stent Reports Positive 5-Year Safety, Efficacy

May 19, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Use of the Fantom Encore bioresorbable stent (BRS) may reduce the risks associated with permanent implants, with safe and effective clinical outcomes at 5-year follow-up, new data from the FANTOM II trial suggest.

FIH Study Shows Higher-Dose Sirolimus-Eluting Balloon Safe, Effective in Treating Coronary Lesions

May 19, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The Selution SLR sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB) with a higher sirolimus dosage (3 µ/mm2) demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of de novo and restenotic coronary lesions, with no major adverse cardiac events (MACE) recorded through 1-year follow-up, according to results of a first-in-human study of the device.

Thin-Strut Synergy Stent Noninferior to BioMatrix NeoFlex Stent at 5 Years – SORT OUT VIII Trial

May 18, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The thin-strut everolimus-eluting stent (Synergy, EES) was found to be non-inferior in treating routine clinical care patients when compared to the biolimus-eluting stent (BioMatrix NeoFlex, BES), according to 5-year follow-up data from the SORT OUT VIII trial.

Novel Angiographic Estimation of FFR Improved Clinical Outcomes and Saved Costs Over 1 Year in FAVOR III China Trial

May 18, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) – a non-invasive strategy to estimate fractional flow reserve (FFR) – not only improved clinical outcomes, but saved costs over 1 year versus standard FFR for patients in the FAVOR III China trial.

FFR Simulation via Angiographic Imaging Could ‘Increase Practicability’ of Functional SYNTAX Score: DECISION QFR Study

May 18, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) – a non-invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) simulation using angiographic imaging – could “increase the practicability” of physiology-guided decision-making, the Japanese DECISION QFR study found.

DISCO RADIAL: Distal Radial Access Shows Low RAO, but Not Superior to Transradial Access

May 17, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Both conventional transradial access (TRA) and distal radial access (DRA) showed “surprisingly low” rates of radial artery occlusion (RAO), but DRA failed to demonstrate superiority over TRA, according to the DISCO RADIAL trial.

With Specific Implantation Strategy, Absorb BVS Shows Good Results at 5 Years Post-STEMI

May 17, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Patients who were implanted with the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold with a prespecified implantation strategy after presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) showed low rates of adverse events and scaffold thrombosis at 5-year follow-up, according to new BVS STEMI STRATEGY-IT results presented Tuesday.

High-Bleeding-Risk Ultimaster Stent Patients at No Greater Risk on Shorter vs. Longer DAPT: MASTER DAPT Analysis

May 17, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

High-bleeding-risk patients who underwent implantation with the sirolimus-eluting, biodegradable polymer Ultimaster stent had similar adverse cardiac and cerebral events – but lower bleeding events – when given shorter courses of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), “regardless of PCI complexity, according to a new analysis of the MASTER DAPT trial presented Tuesday at EuroPCR 2022 in Paris.

PROPHET-FFR: Physiology-Guided PCI Linked to Lower Adverse Events Compared to Angio-Guided PCI

May 17, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Physiology-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a feasible and safe approach that is associated with improved outcomes compared to standard angio-guided PCI, according to late-breaking trial data presented at EuroPCR 2022.

Any Level of Coronary Artery Calcium Means Increased CV Risk in Young Adults, Pooled Analysis Shows

May 09, 2022 by
Amer Aladin and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Any degree of coronary artery calcium (CAC) detected by computed tomography (CT) imaging in asymptomatic adults between the ages of 30 and 45 is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, according to a pooled analysis of three studies.

Icosapent Ethyl Significantly Reduced Ischemic Events in REDUCE-IT Patients With Prior MI: Post Hoc Analysis

Apr 25, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Icosapent ethyl (IPE) significantly reduced ischemic events in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) in the Phase IIIb REDUCE-IT trial, including cardiovascular deaths.

US HF Hospitalization Rising in Young Adults, Particularly Black People with Low Income: 15-Year Analysis

Apr 25, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Heart failure (HF) hospitalization has increased among young adults in the U.S. since 2013, and almost half of these patients are Black and from homes in the lowest quartile of national household income, according to a new 15-year analysis.

CHD Patients’ Lifestyle Physical Activity Trajectories Should Become Routine Clinical Practice Focus: Longitudinal Study Researchers

Apr 25, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Attention to patients’ physical activity trajectories should become routine in coronary heart disease (CHD) clinical practice, said the researchers of a new longitudinal study that highlights the potential benefit of preserved or increased activity.

Patients with ACS Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Show Comparable Outcomes Regardless of Hospital Experience – Australian Registry

Apr 18, 2022 by
Amer Aladin and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Patients who present with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) show comparable outcomes regardless of the treating hospital’s percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) CS volume experience or whether cardiac surgery is available, an Australian multicenter registry shows.

FORT CTO: Transradial, Transfemoral Approaches Show Similar Procedural Success

Apr 18, 2022 by
Giorgio A. Medranda, CRTonline.org

A transradial access (TRA) approach was found to be non-inferior to a transfemoral access (TFA) approach in chronic total occlusion (CTO) but did demonstrate fewer access-site related complications, according to the Femoral or Radial Approach in the Treatment of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion (FORT CTO) trial.

Premature DAPT Cessation Post-DES Implantation Associated With Higher MACE Rates: ADAPT-DES Registry

Apr 18, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, MD, CRTonline.org

Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was associated with a markedly increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which occurred in approximately 1 in 6 patients following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation, according to new results from a registry study.

ARIC Analysis: Abnormal Left Atrial Measures Predict Higher HF Risk, Regardless of LV Function

Apr 18, 2022 by
Mohit Pahuja, CRTonline.org

In a large cohort of older adults free of prevalent heart failure (HF), abnormal measures of left atrial (LA) structure and function are associated with increased risk of incident HF or death at long-term follow-up, regardless of measures of left ventricular function and NT-proBNP, according to a new analysis of the ARIC study population.

Analysis: FREEDOM Score ‘Helpful’ for MACE Prediction in PCI, Moderate for CABG

Apr 11, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The FREEDOM score performs well in predicting 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but has only moderate discrimination and calibration for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to a new external validation analysis, which also identified heterogeneity of treatment benefit.

STEMI Mortality Among COVID-19 Patients Falls in Pandemic's 2nd Year: Registry Data

Apr 04, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Significant changes have occurred in the clinical characteristics, management strategies and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the course of the pandemic, according to new results from the North American COVID-19 STEMI (NACMI) registry.

Residual Inflammatory Risk Has ‘Greater Importance’ Than Cholesterol Risk for ASCVD Patients with CKD – CANTOS Analysis

Apr 04, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

There is a “striking and clinically important” difference between residual inflammatory risk and residual cholesterol risk for atherosclerotic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and inflammatory risk potentially has “greater importance,” a secondary analysis of the CANTOS trial has found.

Hydrogen Sulfide-Donor Sodium Thiosulfate Fails to Reduce Infarct Size vs. Placebo at 4 Months in STEMI Patients – GIPS-IV Trial

Apr 04, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Hydrogen Sulfide-Donor Sodium Thiosulfate Fails to Reduce Infarct Size vs. Placebo at 4 Months in STEMI Patients – GIPS-IV Trial

FLAVOUR Trial Shows No Difference Between FFR- vs. IVUS-Guided PCI at 2 Years

Apr 04, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) was non-inferior to PCI guided by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in terms of adverse clinical outcomes at 2-year follow-up, according to new randomized trial data.

GHATI Helps Drive Reductions in Mortality and Morbidity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: 2-Year Data

Apr 04, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The Global Heart Attack Treatment Initiative (GHATI) helps the implementation of policies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries through the use of data collection and localized education around guideline-directed medical therapy, report data from the program’s second year.

PACMAN-AMI: Alirocumab Plus High-Intensity Statin Therapy Leads to Greater Coronary Plaque Regression at 1 Year Post-MI

Apr 03, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The addition of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab to high-intensity statin therapy after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) led to significantly greater coronary plaque regression in non-infarct-related arteries after 52 weeks after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as compared to placebo, according to new trial data.

Despite Wide Use, No Coronary Vasomotor Dysfunction Improvement in ANOCA Patients Given Diltiazem vs. Placebo: EDIT-CMD Study

Apr 02, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Diltiazem did not improve coronary vasomotor dysfunction (CVDys) versus placebo for angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) patients treated for 6 weeks, despite frequently being recommended for these patients.

FFR-Guided PCI, CABG Lead to Similar 1-Year Quality-of-Life Improvements in 3-Vessel CAD – FAME 3 Substudy

Apr 02, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improved the quality of life of patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) at 1 year, with no significant difference between the two groups, according to a new FAME-3 substudy.

Complete Revascularization Strategy May Also Lower Total Angina Burden: COMPLETE Trial Data

Apr 02, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A complete revascularization strategy improves overall patient-reported health status, including angina-related quality of life, in addition to its established benefit in reducing major cardiovascular events, an analysis of data from the COMPLETE trial shows.

Study: Investigational Drug Bentracimab Could ‘Immediately and Significantly’ Reverse Ticagrelor’s Antiplatelet Effects

Apr 02, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The investigational monoclonal antibody bentracimab “immediately and significantly” reversed the antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor in older people in an interim analysis of a Phase IIb trial, showing the drug candidate’s promise for P2Y12 patients with major bleeding who require urgent intervention.

Registry Analysis: Established PAD Poses Significant Added Risk for AMI Patients with Cardiogenic Shock

Mar 28, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Established peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant risk factor for patients with comorbid acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS), according to a new widescale registry analysis.

Registry: Mild Renal Impairment Does Not Increase Revascularization Risk in Patients with Multivessel Disease

Mar 28, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Mildly impaired renal function may not increase the risk of adverse outcomes including spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or all-cause mortality, according to new data in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

LV Mechanical Unloading More Complex but Ultimately Reduces Risk for VA-ECMO Patients, Registry Finds

Mar 28, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Left ventricular (LV) mechanical unloading (MU) with balloon pumps or ventricular assist devices lowered in-hospital mortality rates in patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), despite increased complications, a large registry study shows.

Registry: Women With AMI-CS Less Likely to Receive Guideline-Recommended Care Compared to Men

Mar 21, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with cardiogenic shock (CS) are less likely to receive guideline-recommended care, including revascularization, and have worse in-hospital outcomes when compared with men, registry data show.

Analysis: No Difference Between FFR-Guided vs. Angiography-Guided Revascularization for Multivessel STEMI

Mar 21, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

There is no significant difference in adverse events and outcomes between angiography-guided complete revascularization (CR) of non-culprit stenosis and fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided CR in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease, according to a pooled analysis of 11 clinical trials.

ACC Clinical Guidance on COVID-19 Cardiovascular Consequences Brings Focus to Myocarditis, Athletic ‘Return to Play’

Mar 16, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

New clinical guidance published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) outlines the potential cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19, including the need for proactive management of myocarditis, the implications of long COVID, and pathways for athletes aiming to return to competitive sports after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Study: AI-Guided Single-Lead EKG Algorithm in Wearables Might Improve STEMI Detection

Mar 01, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

An artificial intelligence (AI)-guided single-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) algorithm showed promise in allowing for the detection of possible ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using wearable devices, new study results show.

PREPARE-CALC COMBO: ‘Aggressive’ Rota-Cut Combination Is Safe and Effective Preparation for Calcified Coronary Lesions

Mar 01, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Aggressive lesion preparation using a combination of rotational atherectomy (RA) and cutting balloon (CB) – known as the Rota-Cut combination – is safe and feasible and was associated with good clinical outcome at nine months, report early data from the PREPARE-CALC COMBO trial.

Hands-Free AI AutocathFFR Imaging System Matches Invasive Wire-Based Procedural Performance in Pivotal Study

Feb 27, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

“Hands free” artificial intelligence (AI) based angiography via imaging-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) with the AutocathFFR was found to match the performance of wire-based FFR measurements in a new 304-patient pivotal single-arm study.

Invasive Functional Assessment Covering Epicardial, Microvascular Compartments Could Improve Limited Exercise Stress Test Accuracy: UZ Clear Study

Feb 27, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Invasive functional assessment that accounts for the epicardial and microvascular compartments could improve the limited diagnostic accuracy of cardiac stress tests in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), according to the UZ Clear study in 107 patients.

Cobra PzF Stent Plus Shorter DAPT Fails to Reduce Bleeding and Thrombotic Events vs. DES Plus Standard DAPT: COBRA-REDUCE Trial

Feb 27, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The COBRA-REDUCE trial missed its primary endpoint, researchers reported on Sunday, after the Cobra PzF NanoCoated coronary stent (NCS) with 14-day-dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) failed to reduce bleeding versus standard drug-eluting stents (DES) and longer DAPT regimens at 6 months.

BIOFLOW-V: Orsiro’s TLF Rate Still Lower at 5 Years vs. Xience, but Difference No Longer Significant

Feb 27, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

At 5 years, patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the Orsiro stent showed numerically lower, but not statistically significantly different, rates of target lesion failure (TLF) compared to the Xience stent, according to new BIOFLOW-V trial results.

Side Branch Wire Jailing Associated with Lower Rate of Final SB Occlusion

Feb 21, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Wire jailing before main vessel (MV) stenting could prevent side branch (SB) occlusion after the one-stent strategy for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention, suggest new real-world data.

FFR, High Thrombotic Risk Linked to CV Events After Revascularization Deferral

Feb 21, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Patients with high thrombotic risk (HTR) are at increased risk of future cardiovascular events, even when fractional flow reserve (FFR) is negative, according to new data that back the use of thrombotic risk scoring as an additional prognostic value.

Anatomical Imaging May Be the Only Reliable Method to Rule Out Left Main CAD: Trial Analysis

Feb 14, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Non-invasive clinical assessment and stress testing parameters are only “weakly predictive” of left main coronary artery disease on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with moderate or severe ischemia, a new analysis of trial data suggests.

Single Molar Measurement of Lp(a) Is Enough to Inform CAD Risk: UK Biobank Study

Feb 14, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

A single measurement of lipoprotein(a) molar concentration is an efficient marker informing coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, regardless of statin use, according to a new publication.

AMI-CS Patients Enrolled in RCTs More Likely Received PCI, ECMO vs. Those in Registries

Feb 07, 2022 by
Mohit Pahuja, CRTonline.org

Among patients with acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS), randomized control trials (RCTs) enrolled lower-risk patients with fewer women, and the patients were more likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), in comparison with patients enrolled in the registries, according to a new analysis from a systematic review.

Postprocedural Anticoagulation Associated with Lower Mortality in STEMI Patients: Chinese Registry

Feb 07, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, MD, CRTonline.org

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, postprocedural anticoagulation (PPAC) is associated with reduced mortality without increasing the risk of major bleeding complications, according to new results from a registry study.

Study: ARC-2, SCAI Definitions More Accurately Predict 1-Year Cardiac Death After Periprocedural MI in Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing PCI

Feb 07, 2022 by
Amer Aladin, CRTonline.org

Among patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) defined according to Academic Research Consortium (ARC)-2 and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) criteria occurred 7 to 9 times less frequently, and was more predictive of cardiac death at 1 year, compared with the Third and Fourth Universal Definitions of Myocardial Infarction (UDMI), a new study shows.

SCAI Statement Seeks to Delineate Sex-Based Differences in Revascularization

Feb 04, 2022 by
Matthew Litman, CRTonline.org

Current practice guidelines do not address sex-based differences in treatment for and outcomes in myocardial revascularization between women and men, according to an expert consensus statement released Friday by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI).

AUGUSTUS Substudy: Apixaban, P2Y12i, No Aspirin Preferred After ACS or PCI in AFib Regardless of Bleeding or Stroke Risk

Jan 31, 2022 by
Amer Aladin and Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Atrial-fibrillation patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention should be given apixaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin for the first 6 months, new study results suggest.

SCAI Releases Updated Shock Stages Classification

Jan 31, 2022 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions updated its SCAI Shock Stages Classification on Monday in an effort to make it easier to use while focusing on the factors relevant to cardiogenic shock treatment.

Delayed Hospital Treatment of NSTEMI Increases Long-Term Mortality Risk: Korean Registry

Jan 24, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, MD, CRTonline.org

In patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), prehospital delay was associated with an increased risk of 3-year mortality, according to new findings from a Korean registry

UPDATED: FDA Issues Class I Recall of HawkOne Directional Atherectomy System

Jan 21, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class I recall Friday of Medtronic’s HawkOne Directional Atherectomy System because of the risk that the catheter tip could break off and potentially tear or rupture an artery.

Study: Urgent CV Patients in Rural Areas Have Higher Mortality Rates Than Those in Urban Areas

Jan 17, 2022 by
Amer Aladin, CRTonline.org

Older adults presenting to rural hospitals with urgent cardiovascular conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF) and ischemic stroke, were less likely to receive important therapeutic procedures and experienced higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates than their urban counterparts, according to new research.

SAPT Leads to Less GI Injury vs. DAPT After PCI: OPT-PEACE Trial

Jan 10, 2022 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

In patients at low bleeding risk, antiplatelet therapy resulted in gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during 12-month follow-up regardless of antiplatelet regimen used, although clinically evident bleeding was infrequent, according to new study results.

FDA Issues Class I Recall of WIRION EPD

Jan 10, 2022 by
CRTonline.org

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. has recalled its WIRION Embolic Protection Device after complaints of filter breakage during retrieval. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified this Monday as a Class I recall, the most serious type, meaning that the use of such devices can result in serious injury or death.

Study: Acetylcholine Rechallenge May Help Detect Microvascular Spasms

Jan 03, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Acetylcholine (Ach) rechallenge is superior to the current standard in the detection of co-existing microvascular spasm patients with epicardial spasm, according to new research – suggesting a second challenge should be added to routine ACh testing to help identify co-existing endotypes and to evaluate individual treatment response.

Post-PCI iFR With Higher Target Value May Better Predict 1-Year Outcomes

Jan 03, 2022 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Achieving a post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) of 0.95 or higher is associated with improved 1-year event-free survival, according to new analysis from the DEFINE PCI trial.

Intramyocardial Hemorrhage Is Determinant of MI Size in Reperfusion Injury Setting, Small-Scale Study Shows

Jan 03, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Myocardial hemorrhage could play a crucial clinical role in the acute-care management of patients undergoing reperfusion, say researchers on a new study demonstrating a link between hemorrhage and myocardial infarction (MI) size in the reperfusion injury setting.

PCI Risk Factors Found in Widescale British Registry Could Inform Long-Sought ‘CHIP’ Score – Researchers

Jan 03, 2022 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Seven key patient factors and six procedural factors are associated with higher risk and more complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures and could inform a long-sought “CHIP” score, according to a new 10-year analysis of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database encompassing more than 300,000 patients.

Virtual Follow-Up May Allow Early Discharge for Low-Risk STEMI Patients: Study

Dec 14, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Low-risk patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be safely discharged from the hospital in 48 hours by applying specific clinical criteria and structured multidisciplinary follow-up, real-world data reveal.

Coronary Revascularization Should Be Based on Clinical Indication, Not Sex, Race or Ethnicity, New Guidelines Say

Dec 09, 2021 by
Sukhdeep Bhogal, CRTonline.org

Coronary revascularization in patients with underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) should preferably be centered on the clinical perspective, and should not be limited on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity, according to the new coronary revascularization guidelines.

Early REVERSE-IT Data Show Novel Drug Immediately Reverses Ticagrelor’s Effects

Nov 15, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A novel ticagrelor reversal agent showed immediate and sustained reversal of ticagrelor’s antiplatelet effects in patients undergoing invasive procedures or who experience major bleeding, according to new study findings.

Posterior Left Pericardiotomy ‘Highly Effective’ at POAF Reduction Post-Cardiac Surgery: PALACS Trial

Nov 14, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Posterior left pericardiotomy is “highly effective” at reducing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery, according to the PALACS trial.

RAPID CABG Trial Backs Safety of Early Surgical Strategy After Ticagrelor

Nov 13, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

An early surgical bypass strategy just 2 to 3 days after stopping ticagrelor is noninferior in terms of safety and clinical outcomes compared to delaying surgery 5 to 7 days as current North American guidelines recommend, new trial data suggest.

VEST Trial: Intimal Hyperplasia Similar Between Supported, Unsupported SVGs After CABG for Multivessel CAD

Nov 13, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) that received external support showed no difference in intimal hyperplasia as compared to grafts that did not receive support, new trial data show.

Sirolimus Noninferior to Paclitaxel in DCBs to Treat DES-ISR, 2 Small Trials Show

Nov 06, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

A novel sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB) was noninferior to the best-in-class paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) in terms of late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of in-stent restenosis (ISR) of drug-eluting stents (DES), new trial results show.

Early Data Show Promise for Biolimus-Coated Balloon in Small-Vessel Lesions

Nov 06, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

A novel biolimus drug-coated balloon was shown to be safe and effective in patients with small-vessel coronary artery disease compared to plain balloon angioplasty, a new first-in-man (FIM) trial reports.

Continued DAPT after PCI Increases Risk of GI Injury and Clinical Bleeds: OPT-PEACE Data

Nov 06, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Despite being at low bleeding risk, gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal injury was detected in most patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with continuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) resulting in a higher risk of GI injury and bleeding, according to new trial data.

Novel Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Noninferior in De Novo Coronary Lesions vs. Best-in-Class Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon: Malaysian Trial

Nov 06, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

The novel SeQuent sirolimus coated balloon (SCB) proved to be non-inferior at treating new coronary lesions versus the best-in-class paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB), SeQuent Please Neo, in a new Malaysian trial.

1-Month DAPT Noninferior to 12-Month DAPT Post-PCI, STOPDAPT-2 Pooled Analysis Shows

Nov 05, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

One month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reduced major bleeding events, without a significant increase in cardiovascular events, compared to 12-month DAPT after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to new trial data.

EROSION III: OCT Guidance Cuts Stent Implantation Rate 15% vs. Angiographic Guidance in STEMI Patients Undergoing PPCI

Nov 04, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance reduced the rate of stent implantation by 15% in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to angiographic guidance in the EROSION III study.

PCI Improves Health Status of Surgically Ineligible Patients with Complex CAD – OPTIMUM Study

Nov 04, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leads to meaningful improvements in the symptom burden, physical function and quality of life of patients considered to be at prohibitive risk for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to new registry results.

FAME 3: FFR-Guided PCI Fails to Show Noninferiority vs. CABG in 3-Vessel CAD

Nov 04, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) failed to show noninferiority in comparison with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on the primary composite endpoint in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), according to FAME 3 trial results.

Sweet Result: SUGAR Trial Reveals Superiority of New-Generation Cre8 EVO Stent in Patients with Diabetes

Nov 04, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

The new-generation Cre8 EVO device showed a 35% reduction in target lesion failure (TLF) in patients with diabetes at 1-year follow-up, compared to a contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES), new trial data shows.

FAVOR III China Finds Non-Invasive QFR Lesion Selection Improved 1-Year PCI Outcomes vs. Standard Angiography Strategy

Nov 04, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) could be a simple, safe and cost-effective method to non-invasively select lesions for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), said FAVOR III China researchers, after reporting improved 1-year outcomes versus standard angiography-guided strategy.

PCI Guided by iFR Keeps Pace with FFR Guidance at 5 Years, iFR-SWEDEHEART Study Shows

Nov 04, 2021 by
Jason Wermers, CRTonline.org

Revascularization guided by instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) showed no difference in 5-year outcomes in comparison with procedures guided by fractional flow reserve, according to new trial results.

Atherosclerotic Disease Risk Factors Can Guide First Coronary Artery Calcium Scan Timing in Young Adults – CAC Consortium Analysis

Oct 11, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Risk factor profiles for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including diabetes, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia and family history, can be used to determine the recommended age for a first coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan in young adults to determine those susceptible for premature disease, a new CAC Consortium analysis of has found.

SCN5A Identified as a Major Susceptibility Gene in J-Wave Syndromes

Oct 11, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Analysis of patients with two major forms of inherited J-wave syndrome (JWS) has uncovered novel variants of the SCN5A gene associated with different forms.

Machine Learning Study Boosts Proteomics-Based Risk Estimates

Oct 11, 2021 by
Nathan Gray, CRTonline.org

Machine learning (ML) driven risk models based on multi-protein proteomics outperform classical regression models and clinical scores for prediction of all-cause mortality in patients at increased cardiovascular risk, according to new research.

Diabetics with Cardiomyopathy at High Risk of Heart Failure Regardless of Heart Disease Definition – U.S. Cohort Analysis

Oct 11, 2021 by
Natalie Morrison, CRTonline.org

Diabetes with cardiomyopathy (DbCM) puts patients at high risk of developing heart failure, regardless of the criteria used to define cardiomyopathy, according to a new analysis of subjects from three U.S. cohort studies.

ACS admissions in the UK have dropped dramatically

Apr 28, 2020 by
Brian C. Case, CRTonline.org

ACS admissions in the UK have dropped dramatically

Cath Lab Recap: Provisional Stenting Bifurcation; Stents for Spasm

Mar 23, 2017 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

coronary artery spasms

Endovascular Tx Reasonable for LV Occlusion of M2 Segment Thrombectomy safe in those challenging sites, study says

Sep 12, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Endovascular Tx Reasonable for LV Occlusion of M2 Segment Thrombectomy safe in those challenging sites, study says

Cath Lab Recap: SubQ ICDs on the Ascent; OASIS Retraction Interventional cardiology news to note

Sep 08, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: SubQ ICDs on the Ascent; OASIS Retraction Interventional cardiology news to note

ESC: Medical Therapy Adequate for Plaque Erosion Pilot study suggests stenting not needed in uncomplicated cases

Aug 31, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: Medical Therapy Adequate for Plaque Erosion Pilot study suggests stenting not needed in uncomplicated cases

ESC: Coronary CT Prescreen Saves Big $$ Subsequent patients outcomes on par with invasive coronary angiography

Aug 30, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: Coronary CT Prescreen Saves Big $$ Subsequent patients outcomes on par with invasive coronary angiography

ESC: Winners Emerge in CAD Imaging Showdowns Promising results for cardiac MRI, MPS, and PET

Aug 30, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: Winners Emerge in CAD Imaging Showdowns Promising results for cardiac MRI, MPS, and PET

ESC: OCT-Based PCI Linked to Small Uptick of FFR But no improvement in clinical outcomes over angiography

Aug 30, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: OCT-Based PCI Linked to Small Uptick of FFR But no improvement in clinical outcomes over angiography

ESC: BMS Mostly On Par With DES Long-Term But a few outcomes still favor drug-eluting stents

Aug 30, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: BMS Mostly On Par With DES Long-Term But a few outcomes still favor drug-eluting stents

In Diabetics With CAD, Bypass Graft Plus Medical Tx Works Best Meta-analysis finds no benefit for PCI plus drug therapy

Aug 29, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

In Diabetics With CAD, Bypass Graft Plus Medical Tx Works Best Meta-analysis finds no benefit for PCI plus drug therapy

ESC: 6-Month DAPT Non-Inferior to Longer Tx Strategy But problems with NIPPON trial highlight challenges of dual antiplatelet therapy research

Aug 29, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: 6-Month DAPT Non-Inferior to Longer Tx Strategy But problems with NIPPON trial highlight challenges of dual antiplatelet therapy research

CABG or PCI: Similar Safety Rates in Left Main Disease Results called "reassuring"

Aug 29, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CABG or PCI: Similar Safety Rates in Left Main Disease Results called "reassuring"

ESC: Stent Retriever Therapy OK Without tPA? Procedure "may be as similarly effective and safe as bridging thrombolysis"

Aug 28, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ESC: Stent Retriever Therapy OK Without tPA? Procedure "may be as similarly effective and safe as bridging thrombolysis"

Is CT Angio Sufficient Without Functional Data? Adding FFR into the mix triggers different clinical decisions

Aug 24, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Is CT Angio Sufficient Without Functional Data? Adding FFR into the mix triggers different clinical decisions

Xience V Useful for Very Long Lesions No increased risks associated with stenting lesions over 35 mm

Aug 23, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Xience V Useful for Very Long Lesions No increased risks associated with stenting lesions over 35 mm

What Halved PCI Readmits at This Center? Possibilities included better patient education, electronic tracking

Aug 23, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

What Halved PCI Readmits at This Center? Possibilities included better patient education, electronic tracking

Afib: Poor Short-Term Outcomes More Common After Stenting But where is that expected link between Afib and stroke?

Aug 22, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Afib: Poor Short-Term Outcomes More Common After Stenting But where is that expected link between Afib and stroke?

Worse MI Outcomes for the Poor? More adverse events after discharge in dual Medicare-Medicaid eligible

Aug 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Worse MI Outcomes for the Poor? More adverse events after discharge in dual Medicare-Medicaid eligible

Cath Lab Recap: AndexXa Rejected, Gene Therapy for MI? Interventional cardiology news to note

Aug 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: AndexXa Rejected, Gene Therapy for MI? Interventional cardiology news to note

Gender No Predictor of Prolonged DAPT Benefit No clear survival benefit for either sex, as well

Aug 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Gender No Predictor of Prolonged DAPT Benefit No clear survival benefit for either sex, as well

CAD Outcomes, Costs Better Off With Better Med Adherence Rx fill rates important in MI and atherosclerosis, study affirms

Aug 17, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CAD Outcomes, Costs Better Off With Better Med Adherence Rx fill rates important in MI and atherosclerosis, study affirms

Plavix Smoker's Paradox Debunked? Hemoglobin confounds platelet level readings, study suggests

Aug 16, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Plavix Smoker's Paradox Debunked? Hemoglobin confounds platelet level readings, study suggests

Beta-Blockers No Help After PCI For Stable Angina Medicare-linked registry data fly in the face of current guidelines

Aug 15, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Beta-Blockers No Help After PCI For Stable Angina Medicare-linked registry data fly in the face of current guidelines

Double, Triple Antithrombotics No Better in Afib After TAVR More bleeding, no fewer CV events in observational study

Aug 15, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Double, Triple Antithrombotics No Better in Afib After TAVR More bleeding, no fewer CV events in observational study

HS-Troponin Testing: Little Effect on Clinical Practice? Results without a protocol for using them may be worthless

Aug 11, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

HS-Troponin Testing: Little Effect on Clinical Practice? Results without a protocol for using them may be worthless

Cath Lab Recap: Stellarex Balloon; Rapid LV Pacing for TAVR; Gene-Eluting Stent Interventional cardiology news to note

Aug 11, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: Stellarex Balloon; Rapid LV Pacing for TAVR; Gene-Eluting Stent Interventional cardiology news to note

Survival Advantage With Extended DAPT After MI? Updated meta-analysis enters the fray over antiplatelet duration

Aug 10, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Survival Advantage With Extended DAPT After MI? Updated meta-analysis enters the fray over antiplatelet duration

DAPT Score: Not the End-All in Decision-Making "Do not lose sight of the forest from the trees"

Aug 10, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

DAPT Score: Not the End-All in Decision-Making "Do not lose sight of the forest from the trees"

Intracoronary Abciximab Better for Diabetics? Meta-analysis suggests big advantage, but some call it implausible

Aug 08, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Intracoronary Abciximab Better for Diabetics? Meta-analysis suggests big advantage, but some call it implausible

Aspiration Thrombectomy No Help for Large-Clot Strokes Functional outcomes similar to lytics alone in THERAPY trial

Aug 04, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Aspiration Thrombectomy No Help for Large-Clot Strokes Functional outcomes similar to lytics alone in THERAPY trial

Brugada Syndrome: Subcutanous ICDs Linked to Misfires Sensing particularly difficult with dynamic ECG morphology

Aug 03, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Brugada Syndrome: Subcutanous ICDs Linked to Misfires Sensing particularly difficult with dynamic ECG morphology

Cath Lab Recap: New Stentriever; Catheter Recall; Public Reporting's Dark Side Interventional cardiology news to note

Jul 28, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: New Stentriever; Catheter Recall; Public Reporting's Dark Side Interventional cardiology news to note

Specialization Linked to Surgical Survival Mortality risk not just about case volume, study finds

Jul 26, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Specialization Linked to Surgical Survival Mortality risk not just about case volume, study finds

New-Onset HF: Only a 'Troubling' Few Get Timely CAD Testing Screening skipped in vast majority of patients

Jul 25, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

New-Onset HF: Only a 'Troubling' Few Get Timely CAD Testing Screening skipped in vast majority of patients

FFR CT Just as Good as Invasive Coronary Angiography Comparable outcomes, QOL, radiation exposure -- at lower cost

Jul 25, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

FFR CT Just as Good as Invasive Coronary Angiography Comparable outcomes, QOL, radiation exposure -- at lower cost

Longest Lesions Benefit Most From IVUS Guidance in PCI Effect similar across stent types, meta-analysis finds

Jul 25, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Longest Lesions Benefit Most From IVUS Guidance in PCI Effect similar across stent types, meta-analysis finds

PCI Feasible in Very Elderly Patients With STEMI Women at a disadvantage for survival, however

Jul 15, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

PCI Feasible in Very Elderly Patients With STEMI Women at a disadvantage for survival, however

Cath Lab Recap: More CRT Software; Bivalirudin Patent Kerfuffle Interventional cardiology news to note

Jul 14, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: More CRT Software; Bivalirudin Patent Kerfuffle Interventional cardiology news to note

BOLD MRI Detects Blocked Arteries, No Stress Needed Technique done at rest has modest accuracy in small study

Jul 13, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

BOLD MRI Detects Blocked Arteries, No Stress Needed Technique done at rest has modest accuracy in small study

Absorb Stent Approval: Who's Actually Going to Get it? Estimates among cardiologists range widely

Jul 06, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Absorb Stent Approval: Who's Actually Going to Get it? Estimates among cardiologists range widely

Review: Stents a 'Tenuous' Choice for Stable CAD Practice should more closely follow evidence, COURAGE authors argue

Jul 05, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Review: Stents a 'Tenuous' Choice for Stable CAD Practice should more closely follow evidence, COURAGE authors argue

Stent Thrombosis the Deadliest of DES Complications More than 11-fold mortality increase seen in ADAPT-DES analysis

Jun 30, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stent Thrombosis the Deadliest of DES Complications More than 11-fold mortality increase seen in ADAPT-DES analysis

Transradial PCI: 'Slightly Safer' Based on Moderate Evidence Meta-analysis largely supports 'radial first' strategy

Jun 29, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Transradial PCI: 'Slightly Safer' Based on Moderate Evidence Meta-analysis largely supports 'radial first' strategy

Prior Cancer Radiation Predicts Poorer Survival After PCI Stronger independent risk than typical atherosclerosis in case series

Jun 28, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Prior Cancer Radiation Predicts Poorer Survival After PCI Stronger independent risk than typical atherosclerosis in case series

CABG Better for Non-Diabetic Multivessel CAD Long-term survival results in meta-analysis akin to those in diabetes

Jun 27, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CABG Better for Non-Diabetic Multivessel CAD Long-term survival results in meta-analysis akin to those in diabetes

Acute Gains Less Robust for Absorb BVS 'Pre-dilation, optimal expansion, and avoidance of over-expansion are encouraged'

Jun 22, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Acute Gains Less Robust for Absorb BVS 'Pre-dilation, optimal expansion, and avoidance of over-expansion are encouraged'

Recurrent DES Failure: Try Radiation? Brachytherapy associated with 'reasonable' short-term outcomes in study

Jun 21, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Recurrent DES Failure: Try Radiation? Brachytherapy associated with 'reasonable' short-term outcomes in study

CT Angiography Reporting Standards Issued Societies release classification system centered on percent stenosis

Jun 17, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CT Angiography Reporting Standards Issued Societies release classification system centered on percent stenosis

Meta-Analysis: Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Best for Small Vessel PCI But newer-generation stents not included in comparisons

Jun 16, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Meta-Analysis: Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Best for Small Vessel PCI But newer-generation stents not included in comparisons

Snoring Linked to Cardiac Risk After Stenting Yet few acute coronary syndrome patients get sleep monitoring

Jun 15, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Snoring Linked to Cardiac Risk After Stenting Yet few acute coronary syndrome patients get sleep monitoring

Score Predicts Radial Access Success in PCI 'Keep it in the wrist,' operators urge

Jun 08, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Score Predicts Radial Access Success in PCI 'Keep it in the wrist,' operators urge

CABG, PCI Both OK for Moderate Unprotected Left Main CAD But leave more complex disease to surgery, single-center study suggests

Jun 06, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CABG, PCI Both OK for Moderate Unprotected Left Main CAD But leave more complex disease to surgery, single-center study suggests

Bioresorbable Stent Promising for PAD First-in-human results good at 2 years with Esprit stent

Jun 06, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Bioresorbable Stent Promising for PAD First-in-human results good at 2 years with Esprit stent

Cath Lab Recap: Stopping Late Thrombosis; AAA Repair; Spying on Afib Interventional cardiology news to note

Jun 02, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: Stopping Late Thrombosis; AAA Repair; Spying on Afib Interventional cardiology news to note

Meta-Analysis: BVS Not the Safest Stenting Option Stent thrombosis, MI less likely with some conventional stents at 1 year

Jun 02, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Meta-Analysis: BVS Not the Safest Stenting Option Stent thrombosis, MI less likely with some conventional stents at 1 year

Stent Asymmetry, Eccentricity Linked to Poorer Outcome But ABSORB II analysis only hypothesis-generating

Jun 01, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stent Asymmetry, Eccentricity Linked to Poorer Outcome But ABSORB II analysis only hypothesis-generating

Smaller Infarcts Behind Multivessel PCI Advantage? Perfusion imaging questions CvLPRIT trial findings

Jun 01, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Smaller Infarcts Behind Multivessel PCI Advantage? Perfusion imaging questions CvLPRIT trial findings

Few PCI Patients Who Shouldn't Get Antiplatelets Still Do But persistence shows EHR warnings are not always enough in cath lab

May 31, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Few PCI Patients Who Shouldn't Get Antiplatelets Still Do But persistence shows EHR warnings are not always enough in cath lab

Diagnostic Costs Similar For CT Angio, Stress Testing PROMISE trial analysis shows little difference over 3 years

May 25, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Diagnostic Costs Similar For CT Angio, Stress Testing PROMISE trial analysis shows little difference over 3 years

EuroPCR: Staged Stenting Undermines SYNTAX II Strategy Practice of unnecessary "re-touching" in the cath lab needs to go

May 20, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

EuroPCR: Staged Stenting Undermines SYNTAX II Strategy Practice of unnecessary "re-touching" in the cath lab needs to go

EuroPCR: Strategy Often Switched After FFR, iFR Angiography and stress testing don't tell the whole story in real life

May 20, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

EuroPCR: TAVR Embolic Deflector May Cut Stroke Risk Fewer, smaller CNS infarctions by some measures in pooled analysis

EuroPCR: Absorbable Vascular Closure Device Safe PerQseal data suggests 'progress' on large-bore PCI access closure

May 19, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

EuroPCR: Absorbable Vascular Closure Device Safe PerQseal data suggests 'progress' on large-bore PCI access closure

Cath Lab Recap: PAD Balloon Angioplasty; 'Hybrid' PCI Interventional cardiology news to note

May 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: PAD Balloon Angioplasty; 'Hybrid' PCI Interventional cardiology news to note

Stent Retriever Extracts Man's Coronary Clot Manual thrombectomy feasible for 'bailout' case report says

May 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stent Retriever Extracts Man's Coronary Clot Manual thrombectomy feasible for 'bailout,' case report says

EuroPCR: Drug-Coated Stent Better for ACS When Bleed Risk High “BMS can no longer be recommended in these patients”

May 17, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

EuroPCR: Drug-Coated Stent Better for ACS When Bleed Risk High “BMS can no longer be recommended in these patients”

Prasugrel Leads P2Y12 Inhibitors for STEMI Still needed: consensus on bridging to oral agents

May 17, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Prasugrel Leads P2Y12 Inhibitors for STEMI Still needed: consensus on bridging to oral agents

Cath Lab Recap: PAD Balloon Angioplasty; 'Hybrid' PCI Interventional cardiology news to note

May 13, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: PAD Balloon Angioplasty; 'Hybrid' PCI Interventional cardiology news to note

Stent Retriever Extracts Man's Coronary Clot Manual thrombectomy feasible for 'bailout,' case report says

May 12, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stent Retriever Extracts Man's Coronary Clot Manual thrombectomy feasible for 'bailout,' case report says

CAD Tx Does Little to Stem Frailty But healthy lifestyle linked to much lower risk

May 11, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CAD Tx Does Little to Stem Frailty But healthy lifestyle linked to much lower risk

Diabetes, Multivessel CAD, and NSTEMI: Not Enough CABG? Local practice patterns suggested for PCI dominance

May 10, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Diabetes, Multivessel CAD, and NSTEMI: Not Enough CABG? Local practice patterns suggested for PCI dominance

Outcomes Good With Ad Hoc PCI For Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Those with shockable rhythm, especially men, do particularly well

Apr 27, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Outcomes Good With Ad Hoc PCI For Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Those with shockable rhythm, especially men, do particularly well

PCI Use Variation 'Will Always Be With Us' or Will It? Persistence says other decision-making processes are at work, and that's okay, cardiologist argues

Apr 21, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

PCI Use Variation 'Will Always Be With Us' or Will It? Persistence says other decision-making processes are at work, and that's okay, cardiologist argues

Stenting Risks in Diabetes Not Related to Insulin Insulin-treated patients also do better with limus-eluting stents, trial says

Apr 20, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stenting Risks in Diabetes Not Related to Insulin Insulin-treated patients also do better with limus-eluting stents, trial says

FFR: It's Not Just About Luminal Narrowing Vasodilatory abnormalities also important in stenosis, review says

Apr 20, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

FFR: It's Not Just About Luminal Narrowing Vasodilatory abnormalities also important in stenosis, review says

Stroke Thrombectomy Outcomes Best if Done Within 2.5 Hour Efficiency is crucial, SWIFT PRIME substudy finds

Apr 19, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Stroke Thrombectomy Outcomes Best if Done Within 2.5 Hour Efficiency is crucial, SWIFT PRIME substudy finds

Cause of Local Variance in PCI Bleeds Remains a Mystery Patient factors, bleeding avoidance strategies account for less than 30% of variation

Apr 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cause of Local Variance in PCI Bleeds Remains a Mystery Patient factors, bleeding avoidance strategies account for less than 30% of variation

Cath Lab Recap: Impella OK'd, CIN Device, Non-Invasive FFR Interventional cardiology news to note

Apr 14, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cath Lab Recap: Impella OK'd, CIN Device, Non-Invasive FFR Interventional cardiology news to note

Model Predicts Technical Failure of PCI in Chronic Total Occlusion New score could be especially helpful for inexperienced operators, interventionalists say

Apr 13, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Model Predicts Technical Failure of PCI in Chronic Total Occlusion New score could be especially helpful for inexperienced operators, interventionalists say

PCI Post CABG: Native Arteries Fare Better Than Vein Grafts Study found more adverse outcomes when intervening in a bypass graft

Apr 13, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

PCI Post CABG: Native Arteries Fare Better Than Vein Grafts Study found more adverse outcomes when intervening in a bypass graft

Occupational Hazards in the Cath Lab: Cataracts, Aches, HTN Working conditions not advancing alongside device technology, cardiologists say

Apr 12, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Occupational Hazards in the Cath Lab: Cataracts, Aches, HTN Working conditions not advancing alongside device technology, cardiologists say

Meta-Analysis: IVUS-Guided Stenting Still on Top In DES era, outcomes still better than with angiographic guidance

Apr 11, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Meta-Analysis: IVUS-Guided Stenting Still on Top In DES era, outcomes still better than with angiographic guidance

SCOT-HEART: Non-Invasive CT Angiography Trumps Stress Testing CT tied to better use of subsequent invasive imaging

Apr 11, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

SCOT-HEART: Non-Invasive CT Angiography Trumps Stress Testing CT tied to better use of subsequent invasive imaging

CO2 as Angiography Contrast Agent May Cut Kidney Risk Contrast-induced nephropathy rates halved with CO2

Apr 07, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

CO2 as Angiography Contrast Agent May Cut Kidney Risk Contrast-induced nephropathy rates halved with CO2

ACC: Novel CIN Drug Goes to the 'Graveyard' CMX-2043 did not reduce contrast-induced nephropathy in PCI

Apr 05, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ACC: Novel CIN Drug Goes to the 'Graveyard' CMX-2043 did not reduce contrast-induced nephropathy in PCI

Guidance on Same-Day Discharge After PCI too Strict? Low risks, reduced costs make a case for early discharge

Apr 04, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Guidance on Same-Day Discharge After PCI too Strict? Low risks, reduced costs make a case for early discharge

Bioabsorbable Stents 'More Different Than Alike'? Midterm results with another new bioresorbable scaffold stent

Mar 22, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Bioabsorbable Stents 'More Different Than Alike'? Midterm results with another new bioresorbable scaffold stent

Angina Matters for Stress Testing Accuracy on Blocked Coronaries "Highlights the importance of clinical judgment"

Mar 18, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Angina Matters for Stress Testing Accuracy on Blocked Coronaries "Highlights the importance of clinical judgment"

ZEUS: Another Justification for Bare Metal Stents Undercut Substudy points to DES as the better choice, even with high bleeding risk

Mar 08, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

ZEUS: Another Justification for Bare Metal Stents Undercut Substudy points to DES as the better choice, even with high bleeding risk

10 Questions: James Blankenship, MD "Don’t let work push faith or family to the side"

Mar 04, 2016 by
Nicole Lou Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

10 Questions: James Blankenship, MD "Don’t let work push faith or family to the side"

FFR-Guided PCI Use Rising

Feb 10, 2016 by
by Nicole Lou
Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

FFR-Guided PCI Use Rising - Sharp increase seen in the wake of FAME trial

Racial Disparities in CABG Patients

Feb 07, 2016
Black patients undergoing CABG may have worse outcomes than their white counterparts. A comparison of 11,697 black and 136,363 white patients undergoing CABG has indicated that black patients tend to be younger, have greater comorbidities and adverse presenting features. Unadjusted mortality and morbidity were greater in black patients and these persisted after adjustment for surgeon, hospital and care processes.

Predictors of IMA Failure

Feb 07, 2016
The internal mammary artery (IMA) is the conduit of choice for the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Data on the frequency and predictors of IMA failure are sparse. Data from the PREVENT IV study have shown that IMA failure occurred in 8.6% of patients with predictors of such failure being LAD stenosis <75%, additional bypass graft to diagonal branches, and absence of diabetes. IMA failure was associated with increased rates of repeat revascularization.

Cyclosporine A Flops for PCI Cardioprotection

Jan 25, 2016 by
by Nicole Lou
Reporter, MedPage Today/CRTonline.org

Cyclosporine A Flops for PCI Cardioprotection - Pharmacological post-conditioning suffers a blow

Limited Value for Additional Testing Post MI Rule Out

Mar 01, 2015 by
Andrew J. Foy, MD, et al.

In patients presenting to the ED with chest pain and exclusion of MI, additional functional or anatomical testing is commonly undertaken for evaluation of coronary artery disease. An analysis of 421,774 such patients has indicated that the percentage of patients hospitalized with an MI was 0.11% at 7 days and 0.33% at 190 days of follow-up. This low risk did not appear to be affected by the initial testing strategy.

Coronary Sinus Modification as Novel Anti-Anginal Therapy

Feb 05, 2015 by
Stefan Verheye, M.D., Ph.D., et al.

Refractory angina in patients with coronary artery disease and unsuitable for percutaneous or surgical revascularization remains a therapeutic challenge. Implantation of a coronary reducer system, designed to redistribute blood from the less ischemic epicardium to the ischemic endocardium, has provided encouraging results in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in such patients.

Optimal Dose of Exercise

Feb 01, 2015 by
Peter Schnohr, MD, DMSc, et al.

The optimal level and duration of exercise for improving longevity has not been determined. Data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study has suggested a duration of 1-2.4 hours per week, a frequency of 2-3 times per week with the optimal pace being slow.

Simplicity Remains the Rule in Bifurcation Stenting

Feb 01, 2015 by
Dr. Valentin Fuster

Provisional main branch (MB) stenting is the current recommended strategy in bifurcation lesions. The TRYTON study is the latest study to compare a strategy of bifurcation stenting using a dedicated bifurcation stent with provisional stenting of the MB. TRYTON has shown similar target vessel failure rates and binary restenosis rates at 9 months follow-up.

The Bivalirudin Controversy Continues

Jan 01, 2015 by
Gregg W. Stone, MD, et al.

Recent data have questioned the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin in patients undergoing PPCI. Pooled patient-level analysis of the HORIZONS-AMI and EUROMAX trials has indicated that although bivalirudin is associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis, it improved 30-day net clinical outcomes including reductions in bleeding and transfusions.

Assertion of Cost & Efficacy for CABG in Stable Angina

Jan 01, 2015 by
Zugui Zhang, PhD, et al.

The cost-effectiveness of CABG and PCI in patients with stable angina is uncertain. The ASCERT observational study of 189,793 patients has indicated that as compared with PCI, CABG is more expensive but associated with better clinical outcomes.

Perplexing Results From Bridging

Dec 12, 2014 by
Benjamin A. Steinberg, MD, MHS, et al.

Temporary interruption of oral anticoagulation therapy is commonly used in clinical practice in preparation for invasive procedures. Data from the ORBIT-AF registry including 7,372 patients and 2,803 interruption events has indicated that a strategy of bridging is associated with increased bleeding events as well as increased incidence of MI, stroke, or systemic embolism; major bleeding; hospitalization; or death within 30 days.

Epinephrine and Cardiac Arrest Outcomes

Dec 01, 2014 by
Florence Dumas, MD, PhD, et al.

Epinephrine is a commonly used drug during cardiac resuscitation. Analysis of data from 1556 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients has shown that the pre-hospital use of epinephrine may be associated with a lower chance of survival.

Vorapaxar and Stent Thrombosis

Dec 01, 2014 by
Marc P. Bonaca, MD, MPH, et al.

TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 demonstrated that vorapaxar, a thrombin receptor antagonist, reduces CV death and recurrent thrombotic events at the expense of increased bleeding. Further analysis has shown that vorapaxar also reduces stent thrombosis in patients with stable CAD.

Impact of Non-Culprit Lesions in STEMI Patients

Nov 19, 2014 by
Duk-Woo Park, MD, et al.

Two recent randomized studies have indicated total revascularization at the index admission in patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI. A retrospective analysis of 8 randomized studies, including 28282 patients, has suggested that obstructive non-culprit disease is common in patients presenting with STEMI and associated with only a modest increase in 30-day mortality.

Coronary Flow Reserve is Associated with Cardiac Events

Nov 16, 2014 by
Viviany R. Taqueti, et al.

The relationship between coronary flow reserve (CFR), angiographic CAD, and CV outcomes are unknown. A study of 329 patients undergoing PET-based CFR measurement and assessment of CAD prognostic index has indicated that both parameters are independently associated with CV outcomes.

The Impact of Obesity Post PCI

Nov 11, 2014 by
Soo-Jin Kang, MD, PhD, et al.

The impact of obesity post PCI has not been adequately addressed. Data from the ADAPT-DES study has shown that as compared to low-BMI patients, high-BMI patients have greater comorbidities, larger plaque area and a greater plaque burden. Significantly, high-BMI patients had a larger external elastic membrane area resulting in similar MLA and a greater post-stent area. This may account as to why a high BMI is not associated with adverse outcomes post PCI.

Non-Obstructive CAD Not an Innocent Bystander

Nov 05, 2014 by
Thomas M. Maddox, MD, MSc, et al.

The clinical consequences of non-obstructive CAD are not known. Analysis of data from 37674 patients, 8384 of whom had non-obstructive CAD has indicated that such patients have increased 1-year risk of MI and all-cause mortality.

Real-World Analysis Supports Target Vessel PCI in STEMI

Nov 04, 2014 by
M. Bilal Iqbal, MD, et al.

Warfarin is the recommended therapy for patients with AF. The PROTECT-AF study, comparing warfarin with mechanical left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), has indicated that the latter is both non-inferior and superior for preventing the combined outcome of stroke, systemic embolism, and CV death.

Real-World Analysis Supports Target Vessel PCI in STEMI

Nov 04, 2014 by
M. Bilal Iqbal, MD, et al.

Recent data has indicated favorable outcomes with total revascularization in patients presenting with STEMI who are found to have MVD. A real-world analysis of 3984 STEMI patients has indicated that, as compared with multi-vessel intervention, culprit vessel intervention was associated with increased survival at 1 year and reduced in-hospital MACE.

The Spectrum of Benefit for FFR-Guided PCI

Oct 01, 2014 by
Nils P. Johnson, MD, et al.

FFR assessment has emerged as a critical adjunctive tool in the invasive assessment of coronary stenosis. A meta-analysis has indicated that FFR demonstrates a continuous relationship with clinical outcomes with lesions with the lowest FFR receiving a greater benefit from revascularization.

Prevalence of CAD in Cirrhotic Patients

Aug 05, 2014 by
Jihyun An, MD, et al.

The prevalence of CAD in patients with cirrhosis is unknown. A retrospective study of patients with cirrhosis and no history of chest pain or CAD undergoing assessment for liver transplantation has indicated that such patients have similar prevalence of CAD as non-hepatic subjects.

Operator Volume & PCI Outcomes in the United States

Oct 01, 2013 by
Mamas Mamas, et al.

The relationship between operator volume and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI remains uncertain. A cross-sectional study has indicated that although in-hospital mortality following PCI was low, both mortality and peri-procedural complication performed by operators in the 4th (>100), 3rd (45-100), and 2nd (16-44) quartiles were lower than those in the 1st (=15) quartile.

Washington Heart Monitor
More »

Drug-Eluting or Bare-Metal Stents for Coronary Artery Disease.

Sep 01, 2016 by
K Bønaa, et al.; NEJM 2016 Online

Drug-Eluting or Bare-Metal Stents for Coronary Artery Disease.

Association of progression or regression of coronary artery atherosclerosis with long-term prognosis.

Jul 08, 2016 by
G Ndrepepa, et al.; AHJ 2016; 177:9-16

Association of progression or regression of coronary artery atherosclerosis with long-term prognosis.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Rule for Benefit and Harm of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Beyond 1 Year After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Apr 08, 2016 by
JAMA 2016 Online; R Yeh, et al.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Rule for Benefit and Harm of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Beyond 1 Year After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Cardiovascular Marketplace

More »
There were no results.

CRT Poll

What is your first line of therapy for restenosis of DES?

Drug Coated Balloon

Another Drug Eluting Stent

41%
Drug Coated Balloon

59%
Another Drug Eluting Stent

Show Results

CRTonline on Facebook

CRTonline on Twitter

Tweets by CRT_meeting

Explore the Site

Stay Connected

CRT Group Foundation is a not for profit corporation dedicated to providing educational services in the field of cardiology through the website, CRTonline.org and the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) annual symposium. CRT focuses on the advances and changes in the field of cardiovascular medicine. CRT is designed to provide access to the world’s leading clinicians and the latest research in order to improve practice and treatment outcomes for a variety of health care professionals.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy Policy for more details

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Measurements of Myocardial Strain Successfully Predict Adverse Events in General Population – UK Biobank Analysis

Challenges Remain for Global Trans-fat Elimination Efforts in Preventing Coronary Heart Disease

Breaking News: Edwards Lifesciences to Acquire JenaValve and Endotronix

Psychosocial Stress is a Key Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor for Women: Review

Coronary Matrix for LV Remodeling

CardioTubeMore Videos »

In the News