Cardiovascular Video Recap—February 26, 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of Cardiovascular Updates, covering the latest breakthroughs. Brought to you by LucidQuest.

AI-based ECG technology may improve aortic stenosis mortality prediction. AccurKardia’s AI-powered ECG model, AK-AVS, can detect aortic stenosis up to 4.5 years before valve replacement is needed. This early detection allows for earlier diagnosis and better patient outcomes, offering an advantage over traditional imaging methods and improving risk assessment and intervention strategies for aortic stenosis.
Gamefilm Registry Expands to Include Retired NBA and NHL Athletes. HeartFlow has expanded its Gamefilm registry to include retired NBA and NHL athletes. This will help researchers better understand cardiovascular risks among former high-performance athletes. The addition of these athletes to the existing NFL cohort will broaden the scope of cardiovascular disease research, leading to more tailored care and improving early detection and preventive treatments for heart disease.
Perts improve outcomes, but “magic formula” does not exist. Cardiologist discussed the importance of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) in improving patient outcomes. However, there is no universal “formula” for success, and each institution needs to adapt its PERT model based on available resources. More research into adapting these models could lead to even better outcomes in the management of pulmonary embolism.
FDA approval of Enhance heart trial reshapes TransMedics growth story. TransMedics has received FDA approval for its OCS Enhance Heart trial. This trial aims to improve heart transplant technology by extending heart perfusion times, significantly enhancing organ preservation and expanding the adoption of TransMedics’ technology in clinical settings, reshaping the future of heart transplants.
AI-powered ECG could help patients requiring lifelong heart monitoring. Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI tool that analyzes ECGs to prioritize MRI scans for patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. This AI-powered ECG technology could revolutionize lifelong heart health monitoring for patients with congenital heart disease, improving access and reducing healthcare costs.
Serbian registry offers new insight on spontaneous coronary artery dissection (Scad). A new study from the Serbian Scad registry reveals that stent implantation is often unnecessary for many Scad patients, as many cases resolve naturally. Conservative treatment strategies may prove more effective than stenting, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions and improving patient care.
Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system gains reimbursement approval in Japan. Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system has received reimbursement approval in Japan for treating resistant hypertension. This approval will allow more patients to access a treatment that has been proven to reduce blood pressure over the long term, improving the management of resistant hypertension in Japan.
Rise in primary PCIs shows no reduction in acute MI mortality. A recent study analyzing primary PCI procedures in Europe shows no significant reduction in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality rates, despite an increase in the number of PCI procedures. Variability in healthcare systems and patient complexity may explain why PCI procedures haven’t reduced mortality rates, suggesting the need for more individualized care.

Stay ahead in cardiovascular research! Like, share, and subscribe for weekly updates. Visit www.lqventures.com or email us at info@lqventures.com for expert healthcare consulting. See you next time!