Canakinumab (Ilaris) would need a 98% price cut to be cost-effective for use in secondary prevention of major cardiovascular events, although the FDA turned down such an indication. (JAMA Cardiology)
PCSK9 inhibitors blocked brain damage associated with cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The ProPublica investigation into heart transplant problems at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston and now a patient death from a wrong blood type transfusion have ousted top executives there. (Modern Healthcare) Some astounding malpractice suits have been rolling in, too. (Cardiovascular Business)
After fainting, 2 hours of emergency department observation may be sufficient for low-risk patients, while 6 hours may be prudent for medium- and high-risk patients to detect serious arrhythmia, a prospective cohort study reported in Circulation.
Medtronic announced release of a mobile app that connects selected pacemakers directly to smartphones and tablets without a need for remote monitoring equipment. (Cardiovascular Business)
Tafamidis is under review by the FDA for treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, with priority review for the 20 mg meglumine salt and standard review for the 61 mg free acid form, Pfizer announced.
A new ECG-capturing watch from Alphabet/Verily got FDA clearance but will only be used for studies and not sold to the public. (The Verge)
Apple teamed up with Johnson & Johnson for a randomized, controlled trial of stroke prevention in seniors, using the built-in ECG of its Series 4 Watch and an app from the pharma company. (USA Today)
The Vici venous stent met the primary endpoint for patency at 12 months in patients with clinically significant iliofemoral obstructions from post-thrombotic syndrome or compressive diseases in the VIRTUS trial, Boston Scientific announced at the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC) in Leipzig, Germany.
The FDA approved the TactiCath contact force sensing ablation catheter for atrial fibrillation, Abbott announced.
The American Society of Echocardiography released guidelines on comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography.
Source: MedicalNewsToday.com
