Vascular & Endovascular

This channel includes news on non-coronary vascular disease and therapies. These include peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism (PE), critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery and stroke interventions, venous interventions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and interventional radiology therapies. The focus on most of these therapies is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures performed in a cath lab.

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death
The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.
Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths
There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.
New lawsuit alleges a woman’s brain bleed was mistaken for drunken driving, causing significant harm
A Washington woman was pulled over and arrested because a state trooper thought she was driving under the influence. It turned out that she was not drunk, but suffering from a frontal-lobe subdural hematoma. She has now filed a lawsuit against the county.
FDA announces Class I recall of nearly 2,000 catheter kits
Medical facilities and distributors have been advised to immediately discontinue the use of these devices due to a significant labeling issue.
CMS changes coverage policy for carotid stenting to make it more widely available
A group of interventional cardiologists, neurologists and vascular surgeons successfully petitioned Medicare to change its coverage determination for carotid stenting procedures.

Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

VA telestroke program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers and improves rural outcomes

A new study of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Telestroke Program shows the program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers for stroke patients and increases outcomes for patients at rural VA clinics.

April 19, 2022

virtual reality endovascular surgery in the cath lab. The virtual reality training sessions were designed to feature "the same sights, sound and sensations a surgeon would encounter during real procedures ."

Virtual reality specialists launch new training solutions for endovascular surgery

The virtual reality training sessions were designed to feature "the same sights, sound and sensations a surgeon would encounter during real procedures."

April 14, 2022

Australian tech company opens new US office, eyes FDA approval for AI CAD solution

The company's flagship offering uses AI to evaluate 3D images of a patient's heart for signs of atherosclerotic plaque.

April 8, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA announces new recall of delivery catheters after patient’s death

The recall includes specific lots of five different medical devices used to treat stroke and other neurovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.

Cardiovascular Business

The push for an independent cardiology board continues

Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, one of the leading voices behind efforts to create a new Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about where things stand today.