TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for December 2024

This month, as we wrap up 2024, our top 10 list covered quite broad ground. There were reimbursement woes and social media shifts, plus good news for the dual GIP/GLP-1 drug tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro; Eli Lilly). That popular medication recently became the first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating sleep apnea and gained new topline trial data supporting its use for weight loss. Additional stories from the TCTMD news team touched on diverse topics: closing the left atrial septal pouch for stroke prevention, the unknowns of smokeless oral nicotine, and sex differences with fractional flow reserve (FFR). One highlighted a big development that’s close to home: the inaugural interventional cardiology match.

1. In 2025, CMS Final Rule Will Bring ‘Death by a Thousand Cuts’ to Cardiologists

The cardiovascular community continues to argue for long-term solutions, not merely short-term patches.

2. Tirzepatide Gets FDA Approval for Sleep Apnea in Adults With Obesity

The nod, just months after topline results from SURMOUNT-OSA came out, makes it the first drug approved for this indication.

3. FEATURE Once Burned, Twice Shy, Cardiologists Ditch X for Bluesky

Though X (formerly Twitter) was once a place many cardiologists found community and opportunity, many are jumping ship.

4. Tirzepatide Bests Semaglutide for Weight Loss: SURMOUNT-5 Topline Results

Patients lost an average of 20.2% of their weight with tirzepatide over 72 weeks versus 13.7% with semaglutide.

5. FEATURE Reimbursement Issues Seem to Be Holding Renal Denervation Back

Many centers are not yet performing the procedure, but some financial relief is on the way in the new year.

6. Closing the Left Atrial Septal Pouch For Stroke Prevention Explored in Small Trial

Much remains to be learned about this anatomical finding, seen in about one-third of adults, and how it may affect stroke risk.

7. Smokeless Oral Nicotine: Many Unknowns, Potential Risks to CV Health

An AHA policy statement takes on the nicotine gummies, pouches, and other products that are rapidly proliferating.

8. Inaugural Interventional Cardiology Match Completed This Week

In total, 164 programs offered up 326 positions. Of the 290 candidates who applied, 272 secured one on match day. 

9. Potential Sex Differences Seen for FFR-Guided PCI vs CABG in FAME 3

The optimal revascularization choice may differ between women and men, but low numbers of women prevent firm conclusions.

10. PCR London Valves Electrical Variables, Not Valve Type, Predict Need for Pacemaker After TAVI

In the CONDUCT-TAVI study, the use of a self-expanding valve was not associated with an increased risk of pacemaker.

* * *

Check out all our end-of-year content—the latest Heart Sounds podcast reviews the reporters’ own favorite stories for 2024, Rox Heart Radio revisits hot topics, the annual Cardiology Crossword Challenge (just 1 day left to play!), and more.