September 4, 2014 — Medtronic announced CE mark for the 23 mm CoreValve Evolut R system for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The novel self-expanding valve and 14 French equivalent delivery system offers new capabilities that advance valve performance and deliverability during the procedure, while providing the option to recapture and reposition the valve during deployment phase if needed.

September 4, 2014 — St. Jude Medical announced a new multicenter clinical trial has found that using the company’s fractional flow reserve (FFR) technology changed the course of treatment for more than one-fifth of patients suffering non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks.

The Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN), has selected Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. to supply adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) for a clinical trial aimed at evaluating the safety and feasibility of treating patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). 

heart valve, heart surgery

For the first time in the United States, doctors at Henry Ford Hospital used a minimally invasive procedure to replace a failing, hard-to-reach heart valve with a new one – and placed it just outside the heart. 
Allura Clarity
Siemens Artis Q.zen
IGS, Discovery IGS

Angiographic imaging system vendors have developed several new technologies to address emerging cath lab trends, including the need to reduce radiation dose, improve image quality and enable advanced procedural image guidance. All three of these points have become increasingly important as more complex procedures are attempted in interventional cardiology cath labs and hybrid ORs. These procedures include transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral clip valve repairs, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusions, atrial and ventricular septal defect closures, and new interventions for both electrophysiology (EP) and heart failure.
bioresorbable stents, dissolving stents, Absorb stent, BVS
bioresorbable stents, dissolving stents, Absorb stent, BVS

A key prediction for interventional cardiology coming out of recent Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) meetings is that bioresorbable stents will eventually replace conventional metallic stents in the coming years. Experts say dissolving stents have their drawbacks compared to metallic stents, but as the technology continues to advance, these issues may be resolved. Even if they are not, experts say growing clinical data shows the benefits of bioresorbable stents may outweigh any drawbacks.
 

As technology continues to advance for all diagnostic imaging modalities, it sometimes reminds me of a race between vendors to build a better mouse trap. The main issue between cardiac echo, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear (SPECT and PET) and invasive angiography is that each has its strengths and weaknesses. 

As technology continues to advance for all diagnostic imaging modalities, it sometimes reminds me of a race between vendors to build a better mouse trap. The main issue between cardiac echo, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear (SPECT and PET) and invasive angiography is that each has its strengths and weaknesses. When one test falls short, another is used to add diagnostic information, but it also adds time and cost.

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