TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for September 2023

The leading story on TCTMD for September summarized the top-line results for AZALEA-TIMI 71, which was halted early after the data safety and monitoring board reported that abelacimab, an investigational factor XI/IXa inhibitor, was performing better than rivaroxaban at cutting bleeding rates in atrial fibrillation patients. The rest of this month’s most-read articles on TCTMD spanned the breadth of cardiology research and care, and included an “Off Script” blog by Michelle Kittleson, MD, PhD, exploring how to prioritize a prestigious meeting invitation alongside spring break plans with family.

1. ‘Overwhelming Reduction’ in Bleeding With Abelacimab vs Rivaroxaban in AF

AZALEA-TIMI 71 was halted due to the clear win for the factor XI/XIa inhibitor. Control-group patients have the option to switch.

2.  First Drugs Chosen for Medicare Negotiations Hit Close to Home for Cardiologists

Optimism must be balanced with conservative expectations given the unknown nature of the cost impact, says Mary N. Walsh.

3. Cardiology Orgs Unite to Create New, Independent Medical Board

The ACC, HRS, HFSA, and SCAI plan to abandon the ABIM certification process to form a new CV board.

4. ESC/EACTS Task Force Recommends Downgrading PCI in Left Main CAD

For those with LM CAD and a low SYNTAX score, PCI should be no longer be a class I recommendation, the group says.

5. Hormonal Birth Control, NSAID Use Together Linked to VTE

Though the absolute risk is low, clinicians can advise their female patients on ways to avoid what might be additive risks.

6. CAC Found on Noncardiac CT Scans Linked to Prognosis

The study used an AI algorithm to quantify CAC, but merely identifying its presence could be useful, Matthew Budoff says.

7. REMEDIAL: AF Ablation Eases Anxiety, Depression

The randomized trial reinforces what many in the field had already believed based on clinical experience, one expert says.

8. OFF SCRIPT Parenthood vs Professional Opportunities: Let Your Priorities Be Your Guide

For a cardiologist, it’s an honor to be invited to ACC 2024. For a parent with spring break plans, it can spur soul-searching.

9. ‘Shocking’ Sexual Misconduct in Surgery Survey Prompts New Calls for Change

Two-thirds of female respondents said they’d been targeted sexually; medical groups and the government have responded.

10. High-risk Plaques in Nonculprit Lesions Tied to Worse Post-MI Outcomes

Observational data suggest a role for OCT in deciding which FFR-negative lesions may still cause later events.