Medtronic plc announced new findings from the CRYO4PERSISTENT AF clinical trial demonstrating improved quality of life, reduced symptoms from abnormal heart rhythms, and low incidence of reinterventions and repeat ablation procedures. The study evaluated patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with the Medtronic Arctic Front Advance Cryoballoon, and the results were presented at the 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, Aug. 25-28 in Munich.

iSchemaView announced that more than 575 stroke centers in 22 countries have selected the RAPID advanced imaging platform for cerebrovascular imaging, with 520 currently installed. RAPID technology assists physicians in the analysis of brain images using automated tools for CT ASPECTS, computed tomography (CT) angiography, CT perfusion, magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion and perfusion for more than 85,000 stroke cases per year. RAPID is also currently deployed in six multi-center clinical trials globally.

Acarix AB’s ultra-sensitive acoustic CADScor System for coronary artery disease risk assessment will be on display at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2018, Aug. 25-28 in Munich, Germany. The CADScor System has been validated clinically to rule out CAD with 96-97 percent negative predictive value. The device is gaining interest and increased use across Germany and Denmark, key Swedish hospitals are testing the system and expansion in other European countries is under way. At ESC 2018, both in the exhibition booth and at a special session Aug. 28, there will be opportunities to get first-hand information about the CADScor System and to meet experts with experience from using the system in clinical practice.

The National Institutes of Health announced in June it plans to end funding to the Moderate Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health (MACH) trial. The decision is based on concerns about the study design that cast doubt on its ultimate credibility. This includes whether the study would effectively address other significant consequences of moderate alcohol intake, such as cancer.

Breastfeeding is not only good for babies, according to new research in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The research indicates there is growing evidence breastfeeding may also reduce the risk for stroke in post-menopausal women who reported breastfeeding at least one child.

More than 100,000 people have been trained in the life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR since the American Heart Association launched its Hands-Only CPR training kiosk program in 2016, according to the association. As part of the program that is nationally supported by Anthem Foundation, the AHA has placed 30 of these interactive devices in cities across the country.