October 19, 2011 - A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions shows lesions with large lipid cores are associated with a 50 percent risk of heart attack in patients undergoing coronary stent implantation.

October 19, 2011 – Boston Scientific has completed enrollment in a clinical trial to evaluate its WallFlex Biliary RX fully covered stent for the treatment of benign bile duct strictures (narrowing or blockages). This multi-center, prospective study enrolled 187 patients at 13 centers in 11 countries worldwide. Lead investigators in the study are Professor Jacques Deviere, M.D., Ph.D., of Hospital Erasme in Brussels, and Professor Guido Costamagna, M.D., of Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome.

October 18, 2011 — At more than 40 percent, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China is amongst the highest in the world. Its population faces a catalog of CVD risk factor statistics that expose high levels of obesity, diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure; the male population also displays a smoking habit that is proving difficult to address. To help reverse these trends, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) delivered an educational program at the 22nd Great Wall International Congress of Cardiology.

October 18, 2011 — Abbott announced the investigational Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) has been recognized as the winner of the Medical Devices category in the 2011 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards. Absorb is an implantable device that restores blood flow by opening a blocked artery and providing support to the vessel until the device dissolves.

October 18, 2011 — Boston Scientific Corp. has begun a phased launch of its Promus Element everolimus-eluting platinum chromium coronary stent system in China. The launch campaign will be expanded within the country based upon receipt of subsequent provincial reimbursement approvals.