More than 350,000 deaths occur each year as a result of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which occurs when the heart abruptly and unexpectedly stops beating. A survey issued by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) shows a lack of awareness of SCA and the treatment options. In fact, 75 percent of Americans are unaware that an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an effective treatment option to protect those at risk of SCA. In October, HRS highlights SCA Awareness Month with its annual "Apples and Oranges" campaign to raise awareness for SCA and help educate the general public about risk factors and life-saving therapies.

November 9, 2012 — Svelte Medical Systems announced it received conditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a pivotal study for the Svelte coronary stent integrated delivery system (IDS).

November 9, 2012 — A study found that the use of rosuvastatin prior to angioplasty did not influence the levels of troponin I, a sensitive indicator of muscle damage. Results were presented at the 24th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF).