New data presented at EuroPCR from the much debated ORBITA trial may provide some modest temporary lessening of the pain felt by interventional cardiologists in response to the initial negative ORBITA findings. But the pain relief is likely to be only temporary, and might even be fairly compared to a placebo effect, since the major…
New ORBITA Findings May Offer Modest Symptomatic Pain Relief To Interventional Cardiologists
May 22, 2018 by 5 Comments
In Defense Of ORBITA
December 10, 2017 by 4 Comments
–The trial investigators respond to their numerous critics. If you’ve been reading about ORBITA then you probably know that the first ever placebo-controlled trial of PCI was interesting and provocative. But you’ve also probably heard that the trial was too small, too short and performed in patients who should not have been studied. Simultaneously, you…
No Benefit Found For PFO Closure In Migraine
November 27, 2017 by 1 Comment
–A sham-controlled trial defies previous expectations. A rigorous sham-controlled trial has failed to demonstrate a significant benefit for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in addressing frequent migraine headaches. There has long been a strong suspicion that some migraine headaches may be caused by PFO, but this relationship has never been conclusively demonstrated, and it has…
Small Trial Raises Big Concerns That PCI In Stable Angina Is Just A Placebo
November 2, 2017 by 5 Comments
ORBITA trial may spark a heated debate in the cardiology community. It is only a small trial but it may have an enormous impact as it raises major questions about one of the core beliefs of clinical cardiology as it suggests that PCI for stable coronary disease has no more effect than a sham procedure….
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…
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