Texas Heart Institute

FDA Approves Phase 2 Trial of Revolutionary BiVACOR Artificial Heart Device

3 months ago

• The FDA has authorized Phase 2 clinical trials for the BiVACOR mechanical heart, allowing 15 additional patients to receive the device and recover at home while awaiting donor hearts. • The innovative BiVACOR device features a single moving part - a magnetically suspended spinning disc - potentially offering a more durable and permanent alternative to traditional heart transplants. • The first human recipient, Batson Avie, experienced immediate improvement after implantation at Texas Heart Institute, demonstrating the device's promising potential for treating advanced heart failure.

Email Reminders Boost Flu Shot Rates in Post-MI Patients, Especially with CV-Focused Messaging

6 months ago

• A pooled analysis of the NUDGE-FLU trials shows email reminders increase flu vaccination rates among patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction. • Targeted messaging emphasizing cardiovascular benefits of flu shots was particularly effective for vaccine-hesitant and younger post-MI patients. • The study highlights the potential of simple, scalable interventions to improve vaccination rates in high-risk cardiovascular patients. • Experts caution generalizing results to the US due to healthcare system differences and vaccine hesitancy challenges.