TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for December 2019

Reactions, explanations, and rebuttals in response to a BBC Newsnight investigation of the EXCEL trial dominated TCTMD news in December 2019. Also making the list were new data from DETO2X-AMI on oxygen supplementation in acute myocardial infarction, a core competency document on imaging standards for structural heart interventions, a US Food and Drug Administration response to recent heparin concerns, and more.

1) EACTS Pulls Out of Left Main Guidelines After BBC Bombshell Alleging EXCEL Trial Cover-up

The explosive story reports that trialists concealed MI rates favoring CABG according to definitions promised in the trial.

2) EXCEL Investigators Respond to Data Suppression Claims as Debate Erupts Online

The 3,500-word rebuttal addresses the “misleading narrative” impugning the trial’s conduct, spawned by a BBC investigation.

3) Taggart Rebuts EXCEL Response, Insisting Concerns Over MI and Mortality Remain

Taggart, who withdrew his name from the NEJM paper, says the EXCEL investigators’ response does not answer all his questions.

4) Oxygen of No Benefit, Even in MI Patients With Low-Normal Saturation

DETO2X-AMI researchers say the data simply don’t support oxygen use in any STEMI patient with normal oxygen saturation.

5) Core Competencies Defined for Echo, Cardiac CT in Structural Interventions

Experts are looking for global recognition of their subspecialty in order for proper reimbursement and consistent training.

6) FDA Is Surveilling Heparin but Believes Defective Quality Unlikely

The agency says it will continue to monitor any incoming reports or lab results related to unfractionated heparin.

7) Long-term Watchman Data Reassure: CAP and CAP2 Registries

Experts say the field is maturing, with registries filling in the gaps about long-term safety of LAA occlusion for stroke prevention.

8) Optimal Implantation Depth With Self-Expanding TAVR? Success May Prove Elusive

The study’s researchers call for a uniform method of assessing this parameter.

9) Hybrid Approach to Reshaping Left Ventricle Offers Hope for HF Patients

Improvements in LV volume, QoL, and walking distance are seen with the nonsurgical therapy to reduce myocardial scarring.

10) Switch Anticoagulants for A-fib Patients Needing a Stent? RE-DUAL PCI Insights

NOAC-based dual therapy beat out triple therapy in four trials, but the safety of switching stable patients has been unclear.

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