December 14, 2009 – A new drug application (NDA) was recently submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ticagrelor, an investigational oral anti-platelet treatment for the reduction of major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

December 14, 2009 – First new anti-arrhythmic drug to be approved in the European Union in the last 10 years was recently granted European Commission marketing authorization.

December 10, 2009 – European approval was recently granted for the use of Angiox (bivalirudin) as an anti-coagulant in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergoing emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

December 9, 2009 — A new cardiovascular care system was previewed during the recent Medica exhibition in Germany. The system, slated for a 2010 launch, provides clinical decision support for cardiovascular care of critically ill patients.

December 9, 2009 - An expert panel reviewing Canadian medical isotope productions selected electron beam technology as a superior approach to accelerator-based isotope production. The panel has recommended the Canadian government make an investment in linear accelerator (linac) technology to address the country’s shrinking isotope supply.

December 9, 2009 – Of the 1,200 cardiologists and cardiovascular ultrasound technicians recently surveyed, 87 percent said the new 2010 CMS Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) could force them to stop accepting Medicare patients, reduce staff or shut down their practice completely.

December 8, 2009 – The Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute is constructing a new cardiovascular building on its main campus to develop and commercialize cardiovascular technology.