TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for October 2017

The halt of the NAVIGATE ESUS study of rivaroxaban in stroke of undetermined source was the most-read story on TCTMD this month, followed by a feature story looking at what new MedTech Europe rules regarding industry payments to physicians might mean for medical conference attendance next year. Rounding out the list are some carryovers from the London Valves 2017 meeting, a look-ahead to TCT 2017, and a mix of drug and device stories looking at the Watchman, the Impella, carotid stenting, bioresorbable scaffolds, and drug-drug interactions with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants.

Rivaroxaban Trial in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source Stopped Early

An interim analysis of NAVIGATE ESUS showed the NOAC was no more effective than low-dose aspirin and increased major bleeding.

Conference Organizers, Physicians Wary as Direct Industry Sponsorship Winds Down in Europe

It’s too early to tell what the impact will be, but concerns remain about a potentially substantial drop-off in meeting attendance next year.

Valve Deterioration and Durability Definitions Now Standardized in New Guide

Discrepancies between the TAVR and surgical fields in how bioprosthetic valves are followed postimplant were a key driver of the document.

TCT 2017: High Hopes in Denver for Complex PCI, Shorter DAPT Durations, TAVR Costs, and More

Certain CVD treatments may reach a Rocky Mountain high, and others will be straining to touch the sun. Here’s TCTMD's glimpse at this year’s lineup.

Complications Spiked, Then Fell, After Initial Introduction of Watchman LAA Closure Device

All device manufacturers need to focus on a tightly controlled rollout when moving from clinical trials to real-world use, a researcher says.

TAVR Takeover? Experts Debate Timing of Surgery’s Ousting in Aortic Stenosis

Physicians, surgeons, and industry players say most—but not all—of the barriers to a full takedown of surgery can be solved by engineering and preclinical work.

Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: When to Screen and When to Intervene

Patients weighing an intervention to reduce stroke risk should consider enrolling in the ongoing CREST-2 trial, two experts agree.

Bioresorbable Scaffolds Not to Be Chosen Over DES, Says European Task Force

Although there are four approved BRS devices in Europe, experts say current-generation DES are the preferred choice in PCI.

Impella Has Some Benefits in High-Risk PCI, but Clinical Impact Still Uncertain: Review

Large RCTs are needed to provide definitive evidence of the safety and effectiveness of Impella in high-risk PCI, the authors say.

NOAC Bleeding Risk Rises With Several Drug Combinations

Pairing NOACs with amiodarone and fluconazole increased the risk of major bleeding, while adding atorvastatin lessened the risk.

Note: This month’s top 10 analytics were pulled October 29 and do not include stories published during the TCT 2017 meeting.