Michael Walter
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Managing Editor at Innovate Healthcare, Editor at @CardioBusiness 🫀
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Articles by Michael Walter
TAVR just as safe when performed by early-career operators
Early-career operators can still perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at a level comparable to more experienced specialists, according to new findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] “TAVR has transformed the management of severe aortic stenosis with expanding indications and increasing procedural volumes across all surgical risk categories,” wrote first author Husam M. Salah, MD, a researcher with Duke University, and colleagues.
AI imaging reports comparable to the work of sonographers and cardiologists
Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated echocardiogram interpretations are comparable to preliminary assessments prepared by sonographers and cardiologists, according to new findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026. The study’s authors performed a randomized trial focused on AI- and human-generated preliminary reports for the same 1,200 echocardiograms. The average age was 69 years old, and 47% of patients were women.
More than 80,000 insulin pumps recalled due to safety risk—patients should follow latest instructions
California-based Tandem Diabetes Care is recalling more than 80,000 insulin pumps due to a risk of false-positive occlusion alarms. The recall includes several models of the company’s Tandem Mobi Insulin Pumps, which are battery-operated devices that provide both long-acting and short-acting bolus insulin doses. Unlike many recalls, these devices can still be used for patient care. Tandem Diabetes care has provided specific recommendations patients should follow going forward to avoid any risk.
Semaglutide linked to lower AFib risk—other GLP-1 drugs appear to fall short
GLP-1 receptor agonists have been associated with dramatic improvements in heart health in recent years. Can these popular medications also reduce a patient’s risk of new-onset arrhythmias? According to new findings published in Heart Rhythm, it all depends on the specific medication being taken.[1] Semaglutide injections were associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), for instance, while dulaglutide was actually linked to an increased AFib risk.
Heart surgery outperforms TAVR in new 5-year study of young, low-risk patients
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) may be a more effective treatment option than transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients between the ages of 50 and 65 years old, according to new findings published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.[1] Care teams are turning to TAVR more and more when treating severe aortic stenosis, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down as time goes on.
Missing cardiologist found dead near cow pasture
The body of a Massachusetts cardiologist was found near a cow pasture one day after he went missing during a bike ride. He was 44 years old. Daniel Arnett, MD, worked out of Beth Israel Lahey Clinic in Beverly, Massachusetts. He specialized in echocardiography, CT, nuclear cardiology and preventive cardiology.
How AI-enabled CCTA assessments help cardiologists and radiologists fight back against plaque
Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) continues to be one of the biggest stories in both cardiology and radiology. These noninvasive imaging tests have been helping clinicians for years now, but advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and improved Medicare reimbursements have helped take their value to a whole other level. Why, exactly, has CCTA been such a game-changer? What can AI-powered CCTA software tell care teams about a patient’s coronary plaques?
FDA approves Abbott’s new defibrillation lead for conduction system pacing
Abbott has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its UltiSynq defibrillation lead capable of delivering both cardiac pacing and defibrillation therapy. The device received CE mark approval as well. These approvals come as conduction system pacing, which uses the heart’s electrical pathways to regulate the heart, continues to gain momentum among electrophysiologists.
Boston Scientific inks $455M deal with global investment firm to work on next-gen heart pump
Boston Scientific is working closely with Blackstone Life Sciences, a global private investment platform, on the development of a next-generation heart pump for treating acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). AMI-CS is a life-threatening cardiac condition that impacts tens of thousands of heart attack patients annually in the United States alone. It is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality among heart attack patients.
FDA requires new safety warnings for GLP-1 drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning patients and healthcare providers that GLP-1 medications are associated with an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can result in permanent vision loss.
Medtronic studying safety, effectiveness of its self-expanding TAVR valves in patients with moderate AS
Medtronic has launched a new randomized trial focused on tracking the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with one of the company’s self-expanding transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS). The EXPAND TAVR II trial includes nearly 700 patients with moderate AS randomized to either undergo TAVR with a self-expanding, supra-annular Evolut valve in addition to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) or just GDMT alone.
Melting and resistivity of iron at Earth core conditions using pulsed Joule heating
Reference #1 Abstract Supplementary Materials References and Notes eLetters (0) Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share This article has 0 eLetter . Abstract The melting temperature and electrical resistivity of iron at high pressure are essential for understanding Earth’s core. Here we use a new high-pressure method – microsecond pulsed Joule heating in diamond anvil cells – to identify melting and measure resistivity of solid and liquid iron.
Startup bringing AI-powered robotics to the cath lab raises $160M from GE HealthCare, other investors
Laza Medical, a California-based medtech company, has raised up to $160 million in new Series B financing led by GE HealthCare. Additional investors included Unorthodox Ventures, PA MedTech, and AMED. Laza Medical is a privately held portfolio company of Shifamed, a California-based medical innovation hub founded by entrepreneur Amr Salahieh. Salahieh also serves as the founder and chairman of the board of Laza Medical.
FDA confirms new Class I recall for heart valve delivery system due to safety risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that a safety issue with certain accessories used to implant the Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system has been ruled a Class I recall. This is the agency’s most severe recall classification. It means using the devices in question could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” This Class I recall only covers four specific lots of these devices: 67718561, 67804014, 67887043 and 67887044.
CMS finalizes more payment cuts with 2027 Medicare PFS—new policy targeting cardiologists still in place
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), which includes payment cuts for physicians and a new mandatory policy targeting thousands of cardiologists. Under the new Medicare PFS, the conversion factors have decreased by 1.83% for practitioners participating in a qualified alternative payment model (APM) and 2.31% for those not participating in an APM.
For new heart patients referred to a cardiologist, telemedicine as good as in-person visits
New patients seeing a cardiologist for the first time can safely have their first appointment by video or telephone, according to a new analysis published in JAMA Network Open.[1] Researchers tracked data from nearly 6,000 adult patients who received a first-time cardiology referral due to symptoms related to their cardiovascular health that had not yet been diagnosed. The mean patient age was 61.3 years old, and 52.4% were male.
Both FDA-approved renal denervation systems linked to positive real-world outcomes
The two renal denervation (RDN) systems approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating uncontrolled hypertension were both associated with positive real-world data at TCT 2026 in San Diego. Recor Medical’s Paradise Ultrasound RDN (uRDN) system and Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral RDN system both secured FDA approval in November 2023. Now, three years later, the use of RDN to treat uncontrolled hypertension represents one of healthcare’s biggest trends.
New stroke prevention device for TAVR falls short, raising questions about the value of embolic protection
A device intended to reduce the risk of stroke during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures was ultimately unable to achieve that goal, according to new late-breaking data presented at TCT 2026 in San Diego. The PROTEMBO IDE Trial focused on evaluating the potential safety and effectiveness of the investigational ProtEmbo Cerebral Protection System (CPS) from German medtech company Protembis.
Combination blood pressure drug recalled after failed quality test
More than 3,500 bottles of a generic blood pressure medication have been recalled after a failed quality test. This includes certain 30- and 90-count bottles of olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals in India and distributed by its New Jersey-based subsidiary, Macleods Pharma USA. The recall was first initiated on Oct.
Cannabis use may increase risk of CVD, stroke—even for those who only occasionally partake
Cannabis use is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to new data being presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago. Researchers tracked data from more than 440,000 American adults who responded to telephone interview questions about cannabis use. These interviews were conducted as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Energy drinks and stimulant supplements linked to several serious heart risks
Caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant supplements, which have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, are associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest, heart attack and many other potentially fatal health conditions. That’s according to a new analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety data being presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago.
GLP-1 drugs outperform metformin in patients with prediabetes
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide may outperform metformin in patients with prediabetes, according to new data being presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago. Metformin is typically the therapy of choice for patients with prediabetes, but GLP-1 drugs appear to be better at preventing type 2 diabetes while also reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Degenerative mitral valve disease: Key takeaways from the largest study of its kind
The global burden of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is rapidly growing, according to new late-breaking data presented at TCT 2026 in San Diego. There are approximately 16.1 million cases of DMVD in the world today. And while approximately 10.2 million of those patients are men, the mortality rate is actually significantly higher in women. Those are just some of the key takeaways from what is believed to be the largest analysis of its kind.
TAVR linked to key benefits for select heart patients with moderate aortic stenosis
Early transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for certain at-risk patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS), according to new late-breaking data presented at TCT 2026 in San Diego.
EARLY TAVR update: New data highlight economic benefits of treating asymptomatic aortic stenosis
Performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) may be a cost-effective treatment option in the long run, according to new late-breaking data presented at TCT 2026 in San Diego. Neel Butala, MD, MBA, an interventional cardiologist with University of Colorado Medicine, presented the data on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Mirvat Alasnag honored with Woman Cardiologist of the Year award
Mirvat Alasnag, MD, MBBS, an interventional cardiologist and director of research and the cardiac catheterization lab at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has won the 2027 Dr. Carolyn McCue Award for Woman Cardiologist of the Year. Alasnag is known throughout the world for her impact on the fields of interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging. In addition to her work as a clinician, editor and researcher, she is also an advocate for women in healthcare.
FDA-approved heart medication may be a ‘wonder drug’—protects against diabetes, blood clots and more
Sotagliflozin has been linked to key cardiovascular benefits for a wide range of patients. In fact, the team behind new research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation believe it may be a “wonder drug” of sorts with untapped potential.[1] Sotagliflozin is a dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor sold by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Inpefa.
FDA confirms Class I recall for certain Impella heart pump controllers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared an update about an alert the agency first published in September about certain Automated Impella Controllers (AICs) from Johnson & Johnson MedTech. At the time, the FDA said these devices should be removed from where they are used or sold, but it was still investigating the issue to learn more.
Strokes after TAVR remain a problem: Key insights from new registry data
In-hospital strokes still occur in 2.5% of patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), according to new registry data published in Structural Heart.[1] Researchers are hoping to learn as much as possible about which patients may face the highest risk if selected for treatment. The new analysis focused on more than 5,000 patients who underwent TAVR in Japan from 2022 to 2024.
Medtronic recalls heart tech for managing pacemaker patients—software update fixes issue
Medtronic is recalling its CareLink SmartSync device manager due to a risk of inaccurate longevity estimates being displayed for the Micra AV2 leadless pacemaker or Micra VR2 leadless pacemaker. Unlike many recalls, no devices need to be returned to the manufacturer. Instead, customers can download a software update to resolve the issue going forward.
FDA approves transcatheter device for treating PVL after heart surgery for first time
Abbott has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Amplatzer Paraclose PVL Occluder, a new transcatheter device specifically designed to treat paravalvular leak (PVL) following heart valve surgery. PVL is a known complication after valve replacement surgeries as well as transcatheter valve replacement procedures. It occurs when the new valve is implanted in a way that leaves a small gap that blood can then pass through.
Cannabis legalization linked to more hospitalizations for heart attacks, other cardiovascular issues
The legalization of recreational cannabis in an area is associated with an increase in hospitalizations for myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure (HF), according to new findings published in BMJ Open.[1] “Cannabis use affects the cardiovascular system through adrenergic, thrombotic and inflammatory pathways, but its clinical impact on cardiovascular outcomes is not well defined,” wrote first author Samuel D.
A new way to think about the heart health of women
Four medical societies have collaborated on a series of new manuscripts designed to update the way clinicians think about the heart health of women. The American Heart Association (AHA), American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine worked together on these documents, ensuring female heart patients from all stages of life are well represented.
Heartflow sues AI rival Elucid over alleged IP violations
Heartflow, the California-based medtech company known for its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered imaging software, has filed a lawsuit accusing Elucid of patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation. Boston-based Elucid is one of Heartflow’s primary competitors in the AI imaging space.
Medtronic recalls defibrillation leads due to risk of implant issues
Medtronic is recalling certain OmniaSecure defibrillation leads due to an increased risk of implant issues.
Is surgical backup still necessary during TAVR? Opinions are mixed as bailout risk decreases
Surgical bailout during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is becoming more rare as time goes on, according to new data published in JACC: Cardiovascular Complications, an American College of Cardiology journal.[1] Does this trend mean on-site cardiac surgery backup should no longer be required at facilities that perform TAVR? That all depends on who you ask. First, the new data: Researchers explored Medicare data from more than 400,000 patients who underwent TAVR from 2016 to 2024.
FDA clears new AI-enabled stethoscopes that combine analog and digital listening
Eko Health has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Core 300, a new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled stethoscope that offers both traditional analog and advanced digital listening capabilities. The Core 300 stethoscopes give clinicians the ability to instantly switch from traditional listening to digital listening when evaluating both pediatric and adult patients.
Hillary Clinton among featured speakers at 63rd Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has announced that former Secretary State and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will be a featured speaker at the 63rd STS Annual Meeting in San Diego. The four-day event is scheduled for Jan. 28-31, 2027. Clinton’s presentation, “A Conversation with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton,” will focus on lessons learned from her life of leadership and public service.
Resorbable scaffold for PCI gains FDA’s breakthrough device designation
Teleflex Incorporated, a Pennsylvania-based medtech company, has received the FDA’s breakthrough device designation for its Freesolve Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold (RMS) to be used during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. The Freesolve RMS was built to provide scaffolding when necessary during cardiovascular interventions, while still reducing the need for permanent implants. One year after treatment, approximately 99% of the magnesium in the device is completely resorbed.
Multiple factors linked to greater risk of ‘catastrophic’ PCI complication
Intraprocedural cardiac arrest (IPCA) still occurs during nearly 1% of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, according to new findings published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] Hoping to learn more about IPCA during PCI, researchers tracked years of data from the CathPCI Registry. The group’s goal was to study trends over time and see what else can be learned about this potentially fatal complication.
TAVR linked to lower risk of in-hospital mortality than SAVR
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), according to new findings published in The American Journal of Cardiology.[1] Once patients were home from the hospital, however, mortality rates were similar for the two treatment techniques.
FDA approves Pascal Precision system from Edwards Lifesciences for tricuspid valve repair
Edwards Lifesciences has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Pascal Precision system to be used for tricuspid valve repair procedures. The device is now indicated for improving a patient’s quality of life and functional status if they present with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) despite optimal medical therapy. The treatment must also be deemed appropriate by a multidisciplinary heart team.
Medtronic gains CE mark for next-gen portfolio of conduction system pacemakers
Medtronic has secured CE mark approval for its Vitalis portfolio of next-generation heart devices built for conduction system pacing (CSP). This includes the company’s ReSyncra CSP, Restoria CSP, Refina CSP, Effectra, and Confirma pacemakers. CSP uses the heart’s electrical pathways to regulate heart rate and heartbeat coordination. According to Medtronic, this is a more physiologic pacing option for patients than clinicians have had access to in the past.
AI flags heart failure patients at risk of functional decline
Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models can anticipate when older heart failure patients may start to experience functional decline, according to new findings published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure.[1] Researchers explored data from more than 6,000 patients 65 years old or older who were hospitalized for heart failure and prescribed rehabilitation. The median age of the cohort was 82 years old.
Johnson & Johnson launches new coronary IVL catheter that cuts treatment times in half
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has launched its new coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter in the United States, making the next-generation device available to customers ahead of TCT 2026 in San Diego. The Shockwave C2 Aero Fly Coronary IVL Catheter represents the latest edition to Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s Shockwave C2 Aero portfolio, giving clinicians another tool for treating calcified coronary plaques prior to percutaneous coronary intervention procedures.
FDA clears AFib detection feature on advanced pulse oximetry system
Masimo, a California-based medtech company, has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its smartSET pulse oximetry platform to identify signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and deliver alerts to its Radius Vital Signs Monitor. The newly cleared feature continuously evaluates a patient’s pulse waveform data, flagging clinicians when additional follow-up care may be necessary.
‘Some activity is better than none’: Cardiologists should urge all heart patients to exercise
Regular exercise is an essential piece of the puzzle when trying to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new scientific statement from the American College of Cardiology. The team behind the document recommends prescribing exercise to patients whenever appropriate, explaining even a little bit of movement can make a major impact. “The most important message is that some activity is better than none,” Jonathan N.
Abbott updates heart device instructions to highlight safety risk
Abbott is recalling its Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder due to an update to its instructions for use (IFU). The goal is to keep clinicians from implanting the device too close to the patient’s pulmonary artery. Unlike many recalls, no devices need to be returned to the manufacturer. Instead, clinicians have been instructed to reference these new IFU before performing any Amulet procedures going forward.
Clinicians from all specialties use AI to answer cardiology questions
Cardiologists and other clinicians are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools more and more on the job to guide treatment decisions and manage care, according to new data published in JAMA.[1] For this study, researchers tracked the use of OpenEvidence, an AI-enabled clinical information platform designed to be used by healthcare providers. They used a large language model to evaluate a random sample of user activity from January 2024 to June 2026.
Heart surgeons now earn more than $1 million per year
Compensation is up considerably for cardiac surgeons in the United States, according to a new report from MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. In fact, they now earn more than $1 million per year on average, the first time any cardiovascular specialty has surpassed that threshold in the report’s history. The 2026 Cardiovascular Provider Compensation and Production Survey includes feedback from cardiologists, cardiac surgeons other cardiology professionals.
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