More Intensive Glucose Control In Type 2 Diabetes Reduces Heart Attacks And Heart Disease Events

A meta-analysis of five trials has shown that more intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes leads to fewer heart attacks and heart disease events - but has no significant effect on stroke or mortality from all causes. The findings are reported in an Article in this week's diabetes special issue of The Lancet, written by Dr Kausik Ray, University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues.

Monash Researchers Lead The Way In Blood Clotting Discovery

A Monash-led research team has discovered an entirely new mechanism that promotes blood clot formation - a major breakthrough that will impact on treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke. The discovery is published in the prestigious Nature Medicine journal.

Results And Additional Analyses From Efficacy And Safety Study Of Corthera's Relaxin In Acute Heart Failure To Be Presented At Heart Failure Congress

Results and additional analyses from the Phase II portion of a Phase II/III clinical trial of Corthera's investigational drug relaxin for the treatment of acute heart failure will be presented at the Heart Failure Congress, the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology in Nice, France. Marco Metra, M.D.

Researchers Urge Individuals To Adopt Healthier Lifestyles, Particularly In Middle Age

Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining, according to an article published in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center Launches Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic For Women With Menopause Symptoms Who Are At Risk For Heart Disease

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource - a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic at the Women's Heart Center recently opened and is offering comprehensive cardiac risk assessments designed specifically for women who are in menopause.

NEVOâ„¢ Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Yields Superior Results To Taxus(R) Liberte(R) Stent In Pivotal Clinical Trial

At six months, the NEVO™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, incorporating RES Technology™, was superior to the Taxus® Liberte® Stent in reducing tissue growth within the stent that can potentially lead to repeat procedures, in new clinical study results released . In addition, no reports of stent thrombosis were reported in patients treated with NEVO™ through six months.

New Strategies For Cell Therapy To Regenerate Damaged Heart

Research undertaken at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and the University Hospital of Navarra has shown that, in animal models, stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue enhance heart function after a cardiac attack. In concrete, bone marrow cells act on the damaged tissue, while fatty cells have the ability to transform themselves into both blood vessels and cardiac cells.

What Is A Heart Attack? What Causes A Heart Attack?

If the heart muscle does not have enough blood (and consequently oxygen) it dies and a heart attack occurs. Another name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction, cardiac infarction and coronary thrombosis. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, a heart attack is "infarction of a segment of heart muscle, usually due to occlusion of a coronary artery".

'Beating' Heart Machine Expedites Development Of New Surgical Tools, Techniques

A machine developed at North Carolina State University in Raleigh may allow researchers to expedite development of new tools and techniques for heart surgery. The dynamic heart system pumps fluid through a pig heart so that it continues to function like a live heart even after it's been removed from the animal's body.

Gene Links Gum Disease And Heart Attack Risk

Scientists in Germany have discovered a gene that links the gum disease periodontitis and increased risk of coronorary heart disease (CHD) and although they don't yet fully understand the underlying mechanism of the link, they urged dentists to make sure they diagnose and treat cases of periodontitis as early as possible to mimimize the risk of heart disease.

Direct Flow Medical Announces Fifth Patent Issuance Of Their Unique Percutaneous Aortic Valve Technology

Direct Flow Medical, Inc. a privately held, emerging medical device Company developing a next generation, minimally invasive implant to treat patients with heart valve disease announced the issuance of its 5th patent on their Percutaneous Aortic Valve (PAV) Technology. The patent (USP# 7,534,259) entitled: "Nonstented Heart Valves with Formed in situ Support" provides further protection for this second generation PAV device.

Boston Scientific Welcomes Launch Of Syntax Score Website

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) welcomed the launch of a new website, http://www.syntaxscore.com, dedicated to the understanding and use of the SYNTAX Scoreâ„¢, a novel angiographic tool used to measure the complexity of coronary artery disease. The Company made the announcement at the annual EuroPCR Scientific Program in Barcelona.

Families Of Sudden Unexplained Death Victims Should Receive Comprehensive Cardiogenetic Testing

Relatives of a young person who dies suddenly should always be referred for cardiological and genetic examination in order to identify if they too are at risk of sudden death, a scientist told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

NFL Players Have More Favorable Glucose Levels, Similar Cholesterol Levels, Higher Rate Of High Blood Pressure Compared To Other Healthy Young Men

Despite being larger in size and heavier in weight, an analysis of the cardiovascular disease risk factors of about 500 National Football League players finds that overall, they have a similar cardiovascular risk profile compared to the general population.

Multiple Types Of Heart Attacks Reduced By Prasugrel In TRITON-TIMI 38 Trial

Investigators from the Phase III TRITON-TIMI 38 study applied the new classification system for the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction to the results of the study and showed that patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and taking

What Is Endocarditis? Why Healthy Teeth Could Help Care For Your Heart

The word "endocarditis" comes from the word "endocardium". The endocardium is the innermost tunic of the heart, including the endothelium and subendothelial connective tissue; in the atrial wall, smooth muscle and numerous elastic fibers also occur. Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium (Medilexicon's medical dictionary).

Lower Blood Glucose Levels Reduce Heart Disease Risk, Says New Research

New research claims that people with diabetes can cut their risk of a heart attack if they lower their blood glucose levels. The study by researchers at the University of Cambridge pooled the information collected on 33,000 patients across five trials. About the study They found that intensive treatment of Type 2 diabetes led to 17 per cent fewer heart attacks.

In Patients With Heart Attacks, CYPHER(R) Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Results Sustained Out To Four Years Compared To Bare Metal Stents

Four-year results of a large, multi-center clinical trial show that earlier results favoring the CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent over bare metal stents (BMS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) were maintained in long-term follow-up. In addition, there were no differences in key safety measures between the CYPHER® Stent and BMS.

YouGov Survey Reveals Low Awareness Of Potentially Fatal Heart Condition That Affects Significant Number Of People In UK

As many as 700,000 people in the UK suffer from a heart abnormality called arrhythmia, a potentially fatal condition, which the majority of Londoners have never heard of - according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov[1]. Many of the deaths associated with arrhythmias could be prevented due to advances in the identification and treatment of high risk patients.

Discovery Of Shared Genetic Link Between The Dental Disease Periodontitis And Heart Attack

The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions, a researcher told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

Advanced Technologies Pump Growth Into European Cardiac Rhythm Management Market, Affirms Frost & Sullivan, UK

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is rising due to factors such as ageing, obesity, smoking and other cardiac ailments. Each year cardiovascular diseases cause over 4.3 million deaths, accounting for 48 per cent of all mortalities in Europe. As a result, the European cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market offers significant growth potential.

Reducing Heart Attack Risk In Diabetes

People with diabetes who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease, new research published in The Lancet has shown. By undertaking a meta-analysis which pooled information from five large trials, researchers at the University of Cambridge were for the first time able to provide reliable evidence linking intensive blood sugar level (or glucose) control with fewer heart attacks.

Cytori Completes Enrollment In First Adipose Stem & Regenerative Cell Therapy Trial For Chronic Heart Disease

Cytori (NASDAQ:CYTX) completed enrollment in the first study to investigate adipose derived stem and regenerative cells in chronic heart disease. The trial, which has been named the PRECISE study, was carried out at leading cardiology centers in Europe. It specifically enrolled patients suffering from an advanced form of chronic heart disease, known as chronic myocardial ischemia, for which there is no generally accepted treatment.

Invatec Officially Launches Coronary Drug-Eluting Balloon Platform IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon At EuroPCR

Invatec, a comprehensive innovator of interventional products, today announced the availability of its newly CE marked coronary balloon, the IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon paclitaxel-eluting PTCA balloon catheter at the EuroPCR Congress 2009 in Barcelona, Spain.

Atherosclerosis Vaccine Development Receives EU Support

The atherosclerosis vaccine development program by AFFiRiS AG is receiving financial support from the EU's EUROTRANS-BIO call. The respective project is being carried out in cooperation with German company EMC microcollections GmbH. The aim of atherosclerosis vaccination is to increase the amount of "good" high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) in the blood and thus reduce the occurrence of harmful fatty deposits in the arteries.

Multiple Types Of Heart Attacks Reduced By Prasugrel In TRITON-TIMI 38 Trial

Investigators from the Phase III TRITON-TIMI 38 study applied the new classification system for the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction to the results of the study and showed that patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and taking

Endeavor Drug-Eluting Stent Is First To Receive CE Mark For Treating Acute Coronary Syndrome

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), announced that its Endeavor drug-eluting stent (DES) is the first and only coronary stent to have received CE (Conformité Européene) Mark approval for treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as heart attack.

Food Manufacturers Must Step Up To The Plate And Reduce Salt Levels, Says Heart Charity

In response to Food Standards Agency's new guidelines on voluntary salt reduction targets, Alex Callaghan, Policy Officer at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: "While it is fantastic the nation is reducing its salt intake, we are still moving at a snail's pace. At the current rate of reduction, it would take us 15 years to reach the 6g per day target, putting another generation at risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Families Of Sudden Unexplained Death Victims Should Receive Comprehensive Cardiogenetic Testing

Relatives of a young person who dies suddenly should always be referred for cardiological and genetic examination in order to identify if they too are at risk of sudden death, a scientist told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

Clinical Trial Tests Protein To Reduce Angina Pain

As part of a multi-center clinical trial, UC San Diego Medical Center is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a potential new way to treat angina by injecting a protein that stimulates the growth of new oxygen-rich blood vessels directly into the heart. Angina is a debilitating form of chest pain caused by coronary artery disease that affects more than nine million Americans.

Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center Launches Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic For Women With Menopause Symptoms Who Are At Risk For Heart Disease

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource - a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic at the Women's Heart Center recently opened and is offering comprehensive cardiac risk assessments designed specifically for women who are in menopause.

New Strategies For Cell Therapy To Regenerate Damaged Heart

Research undertaken at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and the University Hospital of Navarra has shown that, in animal models, stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue enhance heart function after a cardiac attack. In concrete, bone marrow cells act on the damaged tissue, while fatty cells have the ability to transform themselves into both blood vessels and cardiac cells.

Lower Blood Glucose Levels Reduce Heart Disease Risk, Says New Research

New research claims that people with diabetes can cut their risk of a heart attack if they lower their blood glucose levels. The study by researchers at the University of Cambridge pooled the information collected on 33,000 patients across five trials. About the study They found that intensive treatment of Type 2 diabetes led to 17 per cent fewer heart attacks.

Medtronic's Corevalve Shows Subclavian Access Success In Patients Contraindicated For Femoral Approach

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced new data presented today on the safety and effectiveness of Medtronic's CoreValve system via a novel, subclavian approach. The data reported procedural success of 100 percent; 24- hour survival of 100 percent; and 30-day survival of 89 percent.

Invatec Officially Launches Coronary Drug-Eluting Balloon Platform IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon At EuroPCR

Invatec, a comprehensive innovator of interventional products, today announced the availability of its newly CE marked coronary balloon, the IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon paclitaxel-eluting PTCA balloon catheter at the EuroPCR Congress 2009 in Barcelona, Spain.

Boston Scientific Welcomes Launch Of Syntax Score Website

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) welcomed the launch of a new website, http://www.syntaxscore.com, dedicated to the understanding and use of the SYNTAX Scoreâ„¢, a novel angiographic tool used to measure the complexity of coronary artery disease. The Company made the announcement at the annual EuroPCR Scientific Program in Barcelona.

Genetic Factors May Predict Depression In Heart Disease Patients

Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain. Now, a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital, in conjunction with The Montréal Heart Institute, University of Montréal and McGill University, reveals there may be genetic variations that contribute to depression in heart disease patients.

Medtronic's Cardiac Ablation System Represents A Breakthrough Technology Platform

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT - News) announced completion of enrollment in the TTOP-AF (Tailored Treatment of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation) clinical trial. The study is evaluating the use of the latest radiofrequency (RF) ablation technology, the Medtronic Ablation Frontiers Cardiac Ablation System, for the treatment of continuous atrial fibrillation (AF).

Reducing Heart Attack Risk In Diabetes

People with diabetes who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease, new research published in The Lancet has shown. By undertaking a meta-analysis which pooled information from five large trials, researchers at the University of Cambridge were for the first time able to provide reliable evidence linking intensive blood sugar level (or glucose) control with fewer heart attacks.

Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic For Women With Menopause Symptoms Who Are At Risk For Heart Disease

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic at the Women's Heart Center recently opened and is offering comprehensive cardiac risk assessments designed specifically for women who are in menopause.

In Patients With Heart Attacks, CYPHER(R) Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Results Sustained Out To Four Years Compared To Bare Metal Stents

Four-year results of a large, multi-center clinical trial show that earlier results favoring the CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent over bare metal stents (BMS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) were maintained in long-term follow-up. In addition, there were no differences in key safety measures between the CYPHER® Stent and BMS.

Gene Links Gum Disease And Heart Attack Risk

Scientists in Germany have discovered a gene that links the gum disease periodontitis and increased risk of coronorary heart disease (CHD) and although they don't yet fully understand the underlying mechanism of the link, they urged dentists to make sure they diagnose and treat cases of periodontitis as early as possible to mimimize the risk of heart disease.

What Is Endocarditis? Why Healthy Teeth Could Help Care For Your Heart

The word "endocarditis" comes from the word "endocardium". The endocardium is the innermost tunic of the heart, including the endothelium and subendothelial connective tissue; in the atrial wall, smooth muscle and numerous elastic fibers also occur. Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium (Medilexicon's medical dictionary).

More Intensive Glucose Control In Type 2 Diabetes Reduces Heart Attacks And Heart Disease Events

A meta-analysis of five trials has shown that more intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes leads to fewer heart attacks and heart disease events - but has no significant effect on stroke or mortality from all causes. The findings are reported in an Article in this week's diabetes special issue of The Lancet, written by Dr Kausik Ray, University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues.

Stentys Establishes U.S. Operations In Princeton, N.J.

Medical device pioneer Stentys announced that it has established U.S. operations in Princeton, N.J., where the Company will focus its R&D efforts. The Princeton operation will be the cornerstone of the Company's efforts when seeking FDA clearance to market its self-expanding and disconnectable stent platform. "Establishing U.S. operations is a major milestone for Stentys' future commercial launch," said CEO and co-founder, Gonzague Issenmann.

NEVOâ„¢ Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Yields Superior Results To Taxus(R) Liberte(R) Stent In Pivotal Clinical Trial

At six months, the NEVO™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, incorporating RES Technology™, was superior to the Taxus® Liberte® Stent in reducing tissue growth within the stent that can potentially lead to repeat procedures, in new clinical study results released . In addition, no reports of stent thrombosis were reported in patients treated with NEVO™ through six months.

Bone Marrow Cell Therapy May Be Beneficial For Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

The injection of bone marrow cells into the heart of patients with chronic myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to some areas of the heart) was associated with modest improvements in blood flow and function of the left ventricle, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA. Bone marrow cell therapy is currently being investigated as a new therapeutic option for patients with ischemic heart disease.

MitraClip(R) Therapy Data Demonstrate Clinical Benefit In High-Risk Patients With Mitral Regurgitation

Results show percutaneous mitral repair using the MitraClip(R) system in symptomatic high-risk surgical patients with either functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) or degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) improves patient clinical status. The results from the 78 patient EVEREST II High Risk Registry demonstrated improvement in left ventricular function and reduced hospitalization for congestive heart failure for both MR groups at twelve months.

Direct Flow Medical Announces Fifth Patent Issuance Of Their Unique Percutaneous Aortic Valve Technology

Direct Flow Medical, Inc. a privately held, emerging medical device Company developing a next generation, minimally invasive implant to treat patients with heart valve disease announced the issuance of its 5th patent on their Percutaneous Aortic Valve (PAV) Technology. The patent (USP# 7,534,259) entitled: "Nonstented Heart Valves with Formed in situ Support" provides further protection for this second generation PAV device.

Discovery Of Shared Genetic Link Between The Dental Disease Periodontitis And Heart Attack

The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions, a researcher told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. Dr.

Genetic Factors May Predict Depression In Heart Disease Patients

Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain. Now, a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital, in conjunction with The Montréal Heart Institute, University of Montréal and McGill University, reveals there may be genetic variations that contribute to depression in heart disease patients.

In Patients With Heart Attacks, CYPHER(R) Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Results Sustained Out To Four Years Compared To Bare Metal Stents

Four-year results of a large, multi-center clinical trial show that earlier results favoring the CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent over bare metal stents (BMS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) were maintained in long-term follow-up. In addition, there were no differences in key safety measures between the CYPHER® Stent and BMS.

Bone Marrow Cell Therapy May Be Beneficial For Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

The injection of bone marrow cells into the heart of patients with chronic myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to some areas of the heart) was associated with modest improvements in blood flow and function of the left ventricle, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA. Bone marrow cell therapy is currently being investigated as a new therapeutic option for patients with ischemic heart disease.

More Intensive Glucose Control In Type 2 Diabetes Reduces Heart Attacks And Heart Disease Events

A meta-analysis of five trials has shown that more intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes leads to fewer heart attacks and heart disease events - but has no significant effect on stroke or mortality from all causes. The findings are reported in an Article in this week's diabetes special issue of The Lancet, written by Dr Kausik Ray, University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues.

Stentys Establishes U.S. Operations In Princeton, N.J.

Medical device pioneer Stentys announced that it has established U.S. operations in Princeton, N.J., where the Company will focus its R&D efforts. The Princeton operation will be the cornerstone of the Company's efforts when seeking FDA clearance to market its self-expanding and disconnectable stent platform. "Establishing U.S. operations is a major milestone for Stentys' future commercial launch," said CEO and co-founder, Gonzague Issenmann.

What Is Endocarditis? Why Healthy Teeth Could Help Care For Your Heart

The word "endocarditis" comes from the word "endocardium". The endocardium is the innermost tunic of the heart, including the endothelium and subendothelial connective tissue; in the atrial wall, smooth muscle and numerous elastic fibers also occur. Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium (Medilexicon's medical dictionary).

Multiple Types Of Heart Attacks Reduced By Prasugrel In TRITON-TIMI 38 Trial

Investigators from the Phase III TRITON-TIMI 38 study applied the new classification system for the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction to the results of the study and showed that patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and taking

Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic For Women With Menopause Symptoms Who Are At Risk For Heart Disease

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The Advanced Preventive Women's Clinic at the Women's Heart Center recently opened and is offering comprehensive cardiac risk assessments designed specifically for women who are in menopause.

MitraClip(R) Therapy Data Demonstrate Clinical Benefit In High-Risk Patients With Mitral Regurgitation

Results show percutaneous mitral repair using the MitraClip(R) system in symptomatic high-risk surgical patients with either functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) or degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) improves patient clinical status. The results from the 78 patient EVEREST II High Risk Registry demonstrated improvement in left ventricular function and reduced hospitalization for congestive heart failure for both MR groups at twelve months.

Triglycerides Implicated In Diabetes Nerve Loss

A common blood test for triglycerides - a well-known cardiovascular disease risk factor - may also for the first time allow doctors to predict which patients with diabetes are more likely to develop the serious, common complication of neuropathy.

Agency Publishes 2012 Salt Reduction Targets

As part of its continued drive to reduce people's risk of developing coronary heart disease, the Food Standards Agency has today published revised, voluntary salt reduction targets for industry to meet by 2012. More challenging targets for 2012 have been set for 80 categories of foods, to ensure the momentum in reducing salt levels is maintained by food retailers and manufacturers.

Plumper Heart Disease Patients Do Better, Live Longer

Being overweight or obese is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors; however, in patients with established CVD, obesity appears to play a protective role. In fact, data suggest obese patients with heart disease do better and tend to live longer than leaner patients with the same severity of disease, according to a review article published in the May 26, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Invatec Officially Launches Coronary Drug-Eluting Balloon Platform IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon At EuroPCR

Invatec, a comprehensive innovator of interventional products, today announced the availability of its newly CE marked coronary balloon, the IN.PACTâ„¢ Falcon paclitaxel-eluting PTCA balloon catheter at the EuroPCR Congress 2009 in Barcelona, Spain.

Medtronic-Supported Clinical Trial Shows ICD Patients Less Likely To Develop Need For Pacing When Device Uses MVP(R) Mode

MVP® (Managed Ventricular Pacing), exclusive programming on Medtronic pacemakers, which is proven to be effective in reducing unnecessary pacing in pacemaker patients, was applied in the MVP Trial of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients. Data from MVP trial, sponsored by Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), were presented today as a late breaking clinical trial at Heart Rhythm 2009, the annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Endeavor Drug-Eluting Stent Is First To Receive CE Mark For Treating Acute Coronary Syndrome

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), announced that its Endeavor drug-eluting stent (DES) is the first and only coronary stent to have received CE (Conformité Européene) Mark approval for treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as heart attack.

Clinical Trial Tests Protein To Reduce Angina Pain

As part of a multi-center clinical trial, UC San Diego Medical Center is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a potential new way to treat angina by injecting a protein that stimulates the growth of new oxygen-rich blood vessels directly into the heart. Angina is a debilitating form of chest pain caused by coronary artery disease that affects more than nine million Americans.

Terumo Heart, Inc. Reaches Clinical Milestone As The 100th Patient Worldwide Receives The DuraHeart(TM) Left Ventricular Assist System

Terumo Heart Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Terumo Corporation, announced reaching a critical milestone in the worldwide expansion of its DuraHeart(TM) Left-Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) as the 100th patient was treated by Latif Arusoglu, MD and Michiel Morshuis, MD, cardiothoracic surgeons at the Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University of Bochum in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.

Medtronic's Corevalve Shows Subclavian Access Success In Patients Contraindicated For Femoral Approach

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced new data presented today on the safety and effectiveness of Medtronic's CoreValve system via a novel, subclavian approach. The data reported procedural success of 100 percent; 24- hour survival of 100 percent; and 30-day survival of 89 percent.

Boston Scientific Welcomes Launch Of Syntax Score Website

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) welcomed the launch of a new website, http://www.syntaxscore.com, dedicated to the understanding and use of the SYNTAX Scoreâ„¢, a novel angiographic tool used to measure the complexity of coronary artery disease. The Company made the announcement at the annual EuroPCR Scientific Program in Barcelona.

Medtronic's Cardiac Ablation System Represents A Breakthrough Technology Platform

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT - News) announced completion of enrollment in the TTOP-AF (Tailored Treatment of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation) clinical trial. The study is evaluating the use of the latest radiofrequency (RF) ablation technology, the Medtronic Ablation Frontiers Cardiac Ablation System, for the treatment of continuous atrial fibrillation (AF).

Direct Flow Medical Announces Fifth Patent Issuance Of Their Unique Percutaneous Aortic Valve Technology

Direct Flow Medical, Inc. a privately held, emerging medical device Company developing a next generation, minimally invasive implant to treat patients with heart valve disease announced the issuance of its 5th patent on their Percutaneous Aortic Valve (PAV) Technology. The patent (USP# 7,534,259) entitled: "Nonstented Heart Valves with Formed in situ Support" provides further protection for this second generation PAV device.

Endosense Unveils TOCCATA Trial Results: The First Complete Assessment Of Force In Catheter Ablation

Endosense has announced the release of acute clinical results from the TOCCATA (TOuCh+ for CATheter Ablation) European clinical trial at Heart Rhythm 2009, the Heart Rhythm Society's 30th Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston, May 13 - 16. The highly anticipated results of the 76-patient, multi-center study confirm the feasibility, safety and value of Endosense's TactiCath force-sensing ablation catheter during catheter ablation.

NEVOâ„¢ Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Yields Superior Results To Taxus(R) Liberte(R) Stent In Pivotal Clinical Trial

At six months, the NEVO™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, incorporating RES Technology™, was superior to the Taxus® Liberte® Stent in reducing tissue growth within the stent that can potentially lead to repeat procedures, in new clinical study results released . In addition, no reports of stent thrombosis were reported in patients treated with NEVO™ through six months.

Food Manufacturers Must Step Up To The Plate And Reduce Salt Levels, Says Heart Charity

In response to Food Standards Agency's new guidelines on voluntary salt reduction targets, Alex Callaghan, Policy Officer at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: "While it is fantastic the nation is reducing its salt intake, we are still moving at a snail's pace. At the current rate of reduction, it would take us 15 years to reach the 6g per day target, putting another generation at risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Reducing Heart Attack Risk In Diabetes

People with diabetes who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease, new research published in The Lancet has shown. By undertaking a meta-analysis which pooled information from five large trials, researchers at the University of Cambridge were for the first time able to provide reliable evidence linking intensive blood sugar level (or glucose) control with fewer heart attacks.