Mechanically Expanded vs Self-Expanding TAVR in AS Mechanically Expanded Valves May be a Useful Addition for TAVR

The use of mechanically expandable valves was not inferior to self-expandable valves in high risk patients with severe aortic stenosis enrolled in the REPRISE III clinical trial. The trial results support the potential for the first generation LOTUS valve to become part of regular clinical practice. Continue reading

Silent MI: A Risk Factor for Heart Failure? Link between silent myocardial infarction and heart failure

In a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, a link between silent myocardial infarction and subsequent heart failure has been demonstrated, revealing a novel potential marker for heart failure. Continue reading

Novel Echo Markers In Stroke Risk Stratification In AFib

The assessment of left atrial reservoir strain and P-wave to A’ duration on tissue Doppler imaging provides additional risk stratification for stroke after initial CHA2DS2-VASc scoring, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal, and may prove helpful in guiding decisions about anticoagulation for patients after the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Continue reading

MRI Safe in Patients with Legacy Cardiac Devices

The use of MRI resulted in no long-term clinically significant adverse events in patients with legacy cardiac devices and only 1 in 200 patients experienced a power-on reset of the cardiac device, according to a recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. Continue reading

Mortality in PCI Patients With Incomplete Revascularization

In a recent retrospective observational study published in JAMA Cardiology, patients that underwent percutaneous coronary interventions with incomplete revascularization were at higher risk of mortality if they had at least 90% stenosis in an incompletely revascularized vessel, incomplete revascularization in 2 or more vessels, or proximal left anterior descending artery incomplete revascularization. Continue reading