TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for December 2023

The top 10 stories on TCTMD this month, as the year draws to a close, cover a lot of ground. Among them are an obituary honoring Jean-Philippe Collet, MD, PhD, who will be missed by many, as well as a feature exploring what lies ahead after US Food and Drug Administration approvals of artificial intelligence (AI)-based ECG screening tools. Other most-read news included stories on aspirin to slow abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression, FDA approval of the first pulse-field ablation system, positive data for a reusable radiation shield, new guidelines for atrial fibrillation (AF), and safety reassurances for the LDL-lowering drug inclisiran (Leqvio; Novartis).

And finally, two articles explored the nuances behind what’s been largely good news for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. A post-hoc analysis of the SELECT trial underlined how important it will be to target the most at-risk nondiabetic patients when using semaglutide (Wegovy; Novo Nordisk) to curb CV events. Additionally, results from the SURMOUNT-4 trial raised the red flag that patients who lose weight on tirzepatide (Zepbound; Eli Lilly) can see a rebound in both pounds and cardiometabolic risk if they stop taking the drug.

1. Aspirin Use Tied to Slower AAA Progression

Evidence indicates that aspirin not only protects against thrombosis, but also against adverse effects on blood vessels.

2. Jean-Philippe Collet, Thrombosis Expert and Trialist, Dies at 59

Friends and colleagues responded with shock and anguish to news of Collet’s sudden passing this month.

3. First Pulsed-Field Ablation System Gets FDA Approval

The PulseSelect PFA system, also recently approved in Europe, is indicated for the treatment of both paroxysmal and persistent AF.

4. FEATURE FDA Clears AI-ECG Screening Tools for CV Care: What’s Next Is Up for Grabs

These “SAMDs” leverage ECGs to pick up worsening EF and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but more loom on the horizon. 

5. Reusable Radiation Shield Cuts Operator Exposure by More Than 80%

The ability to use it more than once could factor into budgets, helping some cath labs enhance safety, says Ryan Madder.

6. New AF Guideline Emphasizes Early Rhythm Control, Elevates Ablation and LAAO

The document also introduces a classification scheme that moves beyond AF duration to emphasize the complexity of the disease.

7. AI-ECG Model Outperforms STEMI Criteria for Identifying ACS Patients With Occlusions

If validated, the technology may help reduce unnecessary cath lab activations and speed needed revascularizations.

8. Who Benefits Most From Semaglutide and How Long Will That Take?

There are no easy answers based on the SELECT data seen so far, leaving physicians to think hard about underlying risks and costs.

9. No Safety Concerns Seen With Inclisiran in Large ORION Analysis

While there was less MACE with inclisiran, only future outcome trials will determine the drug’s ability to reduce CVD events.

10. Stopping Tirzepatide Leads to Rebound in Weight, Cardiometabolic Risk

Patients with overweight or obesity who continued with treatment, however, saw additional benefits in SURMOUNT-4.

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To round out 2023, check out the special year-end episodes of the Heart Sounds and Rox Heart Radio podcasts. If you’re looking for some fun, take a shot at our Cardiology Crossword Challenge—submit your answers by December 31, 2023, for a chance to win a prize.

We at TCTMD wish you a Happy New Year!