February 23, 2012 – According to a new survey issued by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the majority of Americans are unaware of two serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Teleflex Inc. announced a new agreement with HealthTrust Purchasing Group L.P. (HealthTrust), for its Arrow Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Catheter products. The new agreement begins March 1, 2012 and extends through Feb. 28, 2015.

February 22, 2012 — Attendees at the HIMSS 2012 meeting in Las Vegas were given a preview of what will be in the expected proposed rules for Stage 2 meaningful use, certification and standards from officials at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In a recap featured on its website, HIMSS reported that Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, told attendees, “We stayed the course.” He also noted that image viewing will be an option for meaningful use (MU).

February 22, 2012 — HeartWare International Inc. announced that a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circulatory System Devices Panel will review the premarket approval (PMA) application for the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device system on April 25, 2012.

February 20, 2012 — ReCor Medical announced that its Paradise percutaneous ultrasound renal denervation system for achieving rhas received the CE mark. Paradise is designed to treat patients with resistant hypertension (HTN), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

February 20, 2012 — U.S. Senate and House legislators have reached a “doc fix” agreement this week to prevent slashing payments to physicians treating Medicare patients. A law was to take effect at the beginning of March would have reduced reimbursements by 27 percent.