Today’s News and Trends in Cardiology highlighted by AHA/ACC:
Today’s News and Trends in Cardiology highlighted by AHA/ACC:
1. TAVR Comparable to Open Heart Surgery After 5 Years in Low-Risk Patients
Dr. Michael J. Reardon presented data at ACC.25 indicating that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a supra-annular, self-expanding valve is a safe and effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk patients over a five-year period.
2. Semaglutide Shows Benefits for PAD Patients with Diabetes
The STRIDE study, unveiled at ACC.25, demonstrated that semaglutide significantly enhances walking distance, alleviates symptoms, and improves quality of life in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes.
3. FDA Declines Approval of Etripamil Nasal Spray for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Milestone Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has withheld approval for etripamil, a nasal spray intended to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFib RVR), requesting additional information and a new facility inspection.
4. Oral Semaglutide Reduces Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Findings from the SELECT trial indicate that oral semaglutide lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, offering a needle-free option for patients.
5. GE HealthCare Introduces Revolution Vibe CT Scanner with AI Capabilities
GE HealthCare has launched the Revolution Vibe, a new CT system featuring Unlimited One-Beat Cardiac imaging and advanced AI solutions designed to enhance cardiac imaging efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
6. ACC Releases Guidance on Cardiogenic Shock Management
The American College of Cardiology has published its first Concise Clinical Guidance document, offering best practices for the evaluation and management of patients experiencing cardiogenic shock.
7. Abbott’s Volt PFA System Receives CE Mark Approval
Abbott has obtained CE Mark approval for its Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System, enabling the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe. The system utilizes high-energy electrical pulses for targeted cardiac tissue ablation. The Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System differs from existing ablation technologies in several key ways:
1. Energy Type: Unlike traditional radiofrequency (RF) or cryoablation, which rely on heat or freezing, PFA uses high-energy electrical pulses to create non-thermal ablation. This minimizes the risk of collateral damage to surrounding tissues, such as the esophagus or phrenic nerve.
2. Selectivity: PFA is more tissue-selective, primarily affecting cardiac myocytes while sparing other structures. This makes it potentially safer and more precise than RF or cryoablation.
3. Speed and Efficiency: PFA procedures are generally faster than RF ablation, as they do not require the prolonged contact time needed for thermal lesion formation.
In summary, Abbott’s Volt PFA System represents a newer, non-thermal approach to atrial fibrillation ablation with potentially improved safety, efficiency, and precision compared to traditional methods.