TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for July 2017

Once again, bioresorbable scaffolds were top news on TCTMD, followed by the US Food and Drug Administration’s decision to expand CoreValve’s indication to intermediate-risk patients. A feature story on the cardiovascular impacts of recreational and illicit drugs, news from SCCT 2017, a handful of TAVR studies, blood dilution during PCI, and new insights into pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) round out our top 10 stories this month.

New Absorb BVS Meta-analysis Begs the Question: When to Stop Studying a First-Gen Device?

The study proves “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the device is inferior to a metallic DES and it’s time to move on with new scaffolds, experts say.

FDA Expands CoreValve Indication to Include Intermediate-Risk Patients

The expanded indication, which includes the original CoreValve as well as Evolut R and PRO, is based on the SURTAVI trial.

Faster, On-site FFRCT May Be on the Horizon Through Innovation and Collaboration

Manufacturers and researchers made several announcements this week in conjunction with SCCT 2017 that could change the way FFRCT is used.

TAVR Equivalent to Surgery in Real-World Practice, New Analysis Shows

The observational study of high- and intermediate-risk patients confirms the results seen in randomized trials, according to researchers.

TAVR Deterioration Rare Over 5 Years: Meta-analysis

Stronger and longer-term evidence is needed to allay worries over what durability might be for younger TAVR patients, researchers say.

Pregnancy-Associated SCAD Is a Particularly High-Risk Subset of the Condition

A new study provides more robust confirmation of findings mostly gleaned from case reports and case series, one expert says.

Technique for Diluting the Blood During Primary PCI to Prevent Reperfusion Injury Seems Safe, Feasible

A straightforward, inexpensive approach to intracoronary hemodilution is possible, but outcomes studies are needed.

Getting High: The Low-down for Cardiologists on Illicit Drugs and Marijuana

Cocaine is already on the radar of many heart specialists, but as marijuana use becomes legal in many states, much remains unknown.

Coronary Calcium Scores in 2017: Useful, Yes, but Hard Outcomes Data Still Lacking

Experts agree on the value of CAC scoring for statin therapy decisions, but disagree on when and why the test might need to be repeated.

Simple Frailty Test in TAVR Can Help Decide Not Just ‘If’ but ‘How’

All seven frailty tools compared in a new study predicted mortality and disability at 1 year, but a simple, fast, four-item test came out on top.