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2024 has been a banner year for structural heart treatments, especially those focused on the tricuspid valve. In February, for example, Edwards Lifesciences made history when its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system became the first device of its kind to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Two months later, Abbott’s TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system also gained FDA approval for the treatment of TR.

Job growth in cardiology is expected to outpace other healthcare specialties in the years ahead. The demand for new cardiologists is so high, however, that the current shortage is not expected to end anytime soon.

Darryl Drevna, senior director of regulatory affairs, American Medical Group Association (AMGA), explains why the group objects to a near-complete freeze in an annual payment adjustment for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, arguing it fails to keep pace with the real-world costs of delivering care to Medicare patients.

The American Medical Group Association explains why it has issues with the payment adjustment for Medicare Advantage plans, arguing it fails to keep pace with the real-world costs.

AVS Pulse IVL

Stryker, one of the world’s largest medtech companies, has agreed to acquire a rising name in the field of intravascular lithotripsy. 

kids playground

The four best states for pediatric healthcare are bunched together geographically. The four worst are nowhere near each other.

Elon Musk

The coalition of plaintiffs—representing 19 states and Washington, D.C.—is challenging many of the changes made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which has since halted operations. State governments argue that HHS is no longer performing its constitutionally required duties. The agency’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit was rejected this week.

Brockton Hospital, part of Signature Healthcare, was hit by a “cybersecurity incident” on Monday that forced ambulances to divert patients to other emergency rooms. As the hospital worked to get systems back online, the ransomware gang Anubis claimed responsibility for the breach, then removed their post.

Around the web

According to Heartflow, Cleerly's actions represent “one of the most egregious examples of piracy in the medical technology industry.” Cleerly commented on the lawsuit, defending the value and integrity of its products.