Clinical Cardiology Alert – July 1, 2023

Using Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Aortic Stenosis Echocardiographic Surveillance

A machine learning model to predict the frequency of echocardiographic exams in patients with mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis necessary to accurately detect the onset of severe stenosis performed with a high degree of accuracy would reduce the number of unnecessary echocardiograms specified by current guidelines.

The Safety of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled studies of first catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation showed complication rates are low and have declined over time. Mortality rates are very low and have remain unchanged over the same period.

Absorb Stent Disappoints Again in 5-Year Data

In this long-term follow up of the ABSORB IV trial, the five-year rate of target lesion failure was significantly higher with the everolimus-eluting bioabsorbable scaffold compared with its metallic counterpart, despite strict adherence to recommended implantation techniques.

Timing of Anticoagulation Administration Following Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Stroke

A prospective, blinded, randomized study of early vs. later administration of oral anticoagulation after ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation calibrated by cerebral imaging showed no significant difference in 30-day outcomes.

Is Screening First-Degree Relatives of Cardiomyopathy Patients Worthwhile?

An observational study of screening first-degree relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy revealed 14% will show either dilated left ventricles, low left ventricular function, or both. These findings are more common if the relatives have been diagnosed with hypertension or are obese, but their frequency is not altered by sex or race.