The top cardiac care innovation news at Heart Rhythm 2023

The future of cardiac care was on display at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 2023 annual meeting.

Medical device companies showcased groundbreaking technologies at Heart Rhythm 2023, May 19-21 in New Orleans. The innovations presented during the event offer new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular conditions, providing hope for patients worldwide.

Boston Scientific, Abbott, Medtronic, Philips, and iRhythm unveiled advances that have the potential to revolutionize the field of cardiology and improve patient outcomes.

The cardiology devices showcased at the Heart Rhythm 2023 hold promise for the future of cardiovascular care. As these innovations continue to advance, they have the potential to significantly improve the lives of patients worldwide. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the details of these groundbreaking technologies and their impact on the field of cardiology.

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The top cardiac care innovation news at Heart Rhythm 2023

The future of cardiac care was on display at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 2023 annual meeting.

Medical device companies showcased groundbreaking technologies at Heart Rhythm 2023, May 19-21 in New Orleans. The innovations presented during the event offer new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular conditions, providing hope for patients worldwide.

Boston Scientific, Abbott, Medtronic, Philips, and iRhythm unveiled advances that have the potential to revolutionize the field of cardiology and improve patient outcomes.

The cardiology devices showcased at the Heart Rhythm 2023 hold promise for the future of cardiovascular care. As these innovations continue to advance, they have the potential to significantly improve the lives of patients worldwide. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the details of these groundbreaking technologies and their impact on the field of cardiology.

Here’s a roundup of Associate Editor Se…

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Abbott CardioMEMS sensor nearly halves heart failure hospitalizations, study says

Implanted in a catheter-based procedure, the CardioMEMS HF system remotely monitors pulmonary artery (PA) pressure changes to provide an early warning of worsening heart failure. [Image courtesy of Abbott]A recent European study found that the Abbott CardioMEMS HF System resulted in a 44% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations.

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) + also reported today that the study found an improvement in patient-reported quality-of-life scores as early as three months with the implantable remote monitoring sensor.

Heart failure is a global health challenge affecting more than 64 million people worldwide and posing significant demands on healthcare systems due to frequent hospital readmissions. Remote monitoring technologies such as the Abbott CardioMEMS sensor could enable better management of this chronic condition.

“Heart failure is a global health problem with a devastating impact on patient lives a…

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Data backs Abbott Aveir dual-chamber leadless pacemaker

The Aveir DR dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today announced late-breaking results from a study of its Aveir dual-chamber (DR) i2i leadless pacemaker.

Data came from the company’s large-scale FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) study. It assesses Aveir DR, the world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker for safety and performance. Abbott said the data suggests that Aveir DR could offer new benefits for those with slower-than-normal heart rhythms.

The company presented results at Heart Rhythm Society’s 44th annual meetings in New Orleans. The New England Journal of Medicine simultaneously published the data. Abbott also provided this data to the FDA as part of its submission for approval of Aveir DR.

Aveir DR delivers electrical impulses directly to the heart muscle via thin, insulated wires, known as cardiac leads. This restores the normal heart rhythm. Unlike traditional pacemake…

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Abbott wins FDA approval for next-gen TactiFlex ablation catheter

The TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE: ABT) + today announced FDA approval of its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, which the company describes as the world’s first ablation catheter with a flexible tip and contact force technology.

The TactiFlex catheter also integrates with Abbott’s EnSite X EP System, enabling physicians to visualize heart anatomy more precisely, according to the company. The result is a reduction in procedure times and improved safety compared with the company’s previous-generation ablation catheters.

Abbott officials think their next-gen radiofrequency ablation system will enable more efficient and accurate arrhythmia treatments.

“For those suffering from AFib, daily life can be challenging as people often feel dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations. AFib can lead to stroke if left untreated, making it cr…

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Abbott, Stereotaxis ink robotic surgery partnership

Stereotaxis (NYSE:STXS) announced today that it entered into a collaboration with Abbott (NYSE:ABT) to combine technologies in surgical robotics.

The collaboration aims to integrate the Abbott EnSite X EP system with Stereotaxis’ robotic magnetic navigation systems. Bringing the Abbott cardiac mapping system together with Stereotaxis’ robotic technology could enhance robotic surgery. Together, they provide detailed, real-time diagnostic information with the precision and stability of robotics during therapy delivery.

According to the companies, technology integration enhances the physician experience and streamlines procedural workflow. It also supports the improved treatment of patients with abnormal heart rhythms, according to a news release.

The Abbott EnSite X system received FDA clearance in 2021. It creates highly detailed, three-dimensional maps of the heart, helping physicians identify then treat areas where abnormal rhythms originate…

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FDA clears insertable cardiac monitor from Abbott

The Assert-IQ insertable cardiac monitor. [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today announced that it received FDA clearance for its Assert-IQ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM).

The Assert-IQ device offers a new option for diagnostic evaluation and long-term monitoring for irregular heartbeats. It supplements Abbott’s portfolio fo connected health devices for managing and treating patients remotely.

A small device with sensors inserted just under the skin of the chest, Assert-IQ provides constant, real-time monitoring. It can detect and identify arrhythmias that lead to symptoms like fainting, irregular pulse and shortness of breath. Abbott says many commercially available ICMs monitor hearts for “a few years,” but Assert-IQ offers two options. With a battery life of at least three or six years, it can provide doctors with a new level of flexibility in diagnostic monitoring.

The three-year option offers a method for more traditional…

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Abbott reports positive data for TriClip TEER system

The TriClip transcatheter tricuspid valve repair system [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today announced late-breaking data supporting the benefits of its TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system.

The company presented study data at EuroPCR in Paris. This study evaluated TriClip, a first-of-its-kind, minimally invasive device, in treating patients with leaky tricuspid valves.

Abbott’s bRIGHT study supported the safety and effectiveness of TriClip in 511 patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The largest real-world dataset for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair produced thirty-day outcomes from patients across 26 sites in Europe.

Abbott reports key findings from the bRIGHT study

Key findings included significant TR reduction, with TR grade reducing to moderate or less in 77% of patients. Additionally, 79% of participants achieved New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class I/II. This means they reached a point of…

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FDA approves Abbott spinal cord stimulation devices for non-surgical back pain

The Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that it received FDA approval for use of its spinal cord stimulation devices (SCS) for certain people with back pain.

The FDA approval applies to the treatment of chronic back pain in those who have not had or are not eligible to receive back surgery. This is also known as non-surgical back pain.

Results from Abbott’s DISTINCT study supported the labeling expansion, according to a news release. The study demonstrated improved pain levels with Abbott’s proprietary BurstDR SCS technology. It also showed enhanced ability to perform daily activities and emotional well-being in people with chronic back pain.

“To date, we have struggled with how to treat people who weren’t considered a good surgical candidate because we didn’t have clear, data-driven treatment options for non-surgical back pain,” said Dr. Ti…

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Abbott expands initiative to increase diversity in clinical trials

Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced a new series of programs within its multi-million-dollar initiative to increase diversity in clinical trials and improve care in under-represented populations.

The additions to Abbott’s “Diversity in Clinical Trials” initiative build on partnerships, scholarships and the focus on diversified patients. Abbott applied these to its own clinical trials throughout the initiative’s first year. Within that first year, the company established a Diversity in Clinical Trials Medical Advisory Board. Through $5 million in grants, it also sponsored more than 300 scholarships at four historically black colleges and university (HBCU) medical schools, plus the National Black Nurses Association and National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

Within this program expansion, Abbott launched a new initiative with the Norton Healthcare Foundation. It aims to build and implement new models of sustainable clinical research alongside the…

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FDA approves expanded label for Abbott Eterna spinal cord stimulation tech

The Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system [Image courtesy of Abbott]Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that the FDA approved expanded MRI labeling for its Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system.

The expanded labeling includes new leads that are MR conditional. It means people with chronic pain can undergo MRI scans within approved, outlined conditions with a wider selection of lead options for full-body scans. Eterna SCS with TotalScan MRI now provides fully-body MRI capabilities. It also features normal operating mode scanning with select leads.

FDA approved Eterna in December 2022.

Abbott cited recent findings from its own study demonstrating that 93% of surgeons consider MRI accessibility an important to essential factor when determining the best SCS system for their patients. This study also revealed that surgeons place a high value on the ability to implant leads in the epidural space. Those surgeons want to accomplish this while still remain…

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How device manufacturers are mitigating high-risk exposure to hospital budgets

Surgical robotics systems are among the most expensive hospital purchases. [Photo via Adobe Stock]

Medical device manufacturers face volatile equipment orders from hospitals in the next couple of years, with some more exposed to capital budget risk than others.

A new report from Moody’s Investors Service identified eight medtech companies with exposure to changes in hospital capital budgets and examined how well they mitigated that risk with recurring or noncapital sales.

This balance is an important consideration for medtech developers of all sizes as hospitals continue to face staffing and budget challenges with no relief in sight. The report also highlights the importance of innovation in overcoming macroeconomic challenges.

“With a potential recession and inflationary pressures driving up hospitals’ cost of labor, utilities and other expenses, medical device original equipmen…

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