TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for January 2026

To kick off the new year, TCTMD’s top stories lean towards the novel: percutaneous aorto-coronary bypass before TAVI in a high-risk patient, the long-term implications of Lp(a) in healthy women, and a cautionary tale about glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists’ role in weight loss. Another article looks to the overlap between healthcare practice and policy by summing up the cardiology community’s take on the new US dietary guidelines. Others touch on classic themes, including intravascular imaging, physiological assessment, statin regimens, radiation protection, and conduction disturbances post-TAVI. Finally, rounding out the list are results from the SURPASS-CVOT trial, now published in the New England Journal of Medicine, that confirm the cardiovascular benefits of tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly), a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors.

1. Weight Regained Within 18 Months of Stopping GLP-1 Drugs

Experts emphasized that obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition and lifelong therapy—in some form—will be necessary.

2. Novel VECTOR Procedure Creates Percutaneous Aorto-Coronary Bypass

Operators performed closed-chest bypass before TAVI in a high-risk patient with decompensated HF due to a failing aortic bioprosthesis.

3. Lp(a) Linked to 30-Year CVD Risk in Healthy Women

Very high Lp(a) also correlated with higher risks of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular mortality in the Women’s Health Study.

4. New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Get Mixed Review From Cardiology Community 

Some experts questioned advice around protein, dairy, and more but said there are some positive aspects here, too.

5. Statins Work for Primary Prevention Even in Low-risk Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The target trial emulation study suggests rigid risk thresholds aren’t needed to steer statin use in this group.

6. LBBB Remains Problematic 1 Year Post-TAVI: TVT Registry

Better devices and changes in implant depth have likely led to fewer LBBBs over time, but the issue needs continued attention.

7. Rampart Radiation Protection System Doesn’t Slow STEMI Care

Door-to-balloon times were no higher than when cath lab staff donned traditional lead aprons in this single-center experience.

8. FAME 2 at 10 Years: Less Urgent Revascularization With FFR-Guided PCI

With no difference in death or MI, Kevin Bainey says doctors can give medical therapy a good try before sending patients for PCI.

9. Combo of Intravascular Imaging and Physiology for PCI Gains Steam in the US

The dual approach, though rare, was linked to fewer 2-year MACE and lower long-term costs compared with angiography alone.

10. SURPASS-CVOT Published: Large Trial Confirms CVD Efficacy of Tirzepatide

The drug was as good as a proven GLP-1, giving doctors another potent option for patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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Apart from news, the latest Conversations in Cardiology also piqued readers’ interest this month by questioning what should count as a PCI complication. Do check out the TCTMD team’s own favorites featured in our January Heart Sounds podcast, too.

We’re also excited to announce a new podcast: Hearts & Minds. Created and hosted by Yael L. Maxwell, the series delves into the personal stories of the cardiovascular researchers to learn what inspires their ideas, questions, and passions. First up, she speaks with Suzanne Barron, MD.

And finally, as the snow begins to melt, medical meetings begin anew. This month, we’ve got coverage from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions meetings plus the International Stroke Conference. You can find them all on TCTMD’s dedicated conference page.