Think about this: A new article reports that a major NIH-funded trial runs into trouble. The article raises all sorts of fundamental questions about our ability to perform meaningful clinical research. But instead of expressing concern about these legitimate problems, medical leaders ignore these questions and instead focus their ire and criticism on the article authors,…
Cardiology World Erupts Into Controversy Over Change In Major Clinical Trial
March 18, 2018 by 4 Comments
As a major clinical trial in cardiology nears completion it has provoked a storm of criticism and controversy. The brouhaha erupted in response to a late change to one of the most important— and already controversial— trials in cardiovascular medicine. The NIH-funded ISCHEMIA trial was designed back in 2011 to provide a definitive answer to…
What If PCI Is Just A Sham?
September 18, 2017 by 3 Comments
–A small study might upset assumptions about the benefits of stent. What if PCI for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) is just a big lie? That is, what if it’s no better than a sham procedure? This may seem like a crazy proposition, but there’s at least an outside chance that a small trial coming…
Waiting For ISCHEMIA: Why Won’t Cardiologists Enroll Patients?
November 8, 2015 by Leave a Comment
One of the most important unanswered questions in medicine today– the best treatment for stable ischemic heart disease– may never get a satisfactory answer because cardiologists are unwilling to enter their patients in a clinical trial. One major reason why the question is urgent: about a third of the 1 million PCI procedures performed each year in the…
Can Inflating A Blood Pressure Cuff Improve Outcomes Following Bypass Surgery?
August 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryhusten/2013/08/15/can-inflating-a-blood-pressure-cuff-improve-outcomes-following-bypass-surgery/ For several decades cardiologists have been intrigued by the concept of ischemic preconditioning. A small body of research has consistently found that brief episodes of ischemia (in which reduced blood flow results in damage to tissue) appeared to somehow prepare the body to better handle a major episode of ischemia. Now a new study…
Some Patients With Minor Stroke Or TIA May Benefit From Early Clopidogrel And Aspirin
June 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Some people with minor ischemic stroke or transit ischemic attack (TIA) may benefit from dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, according to a large new study from China published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the immediate period following a TIA or minor stroke people are at high risk for having a major stroke. Aspirin…
FAME 2: Can FFR Save PCI From Medical Therapy?
August 28, 2012 by 1 Comment
Two sharply divergent views have developed about the value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in PCI. FFR advocates think the new technology can help identify ischemic lesions that will benefit from PCI, thereby helping to salvage or enhance the reputation of PCI. FFR skeptics think that optimal medical therapy is still the preferred option for most…
Recent Comments