Cardiovascular Today—Februrary 19, 2026

This week’s update in cardiovascular care covers key advancements in clinical trials, regulatory decisions, and emerging therapies. Highlights include new studies on treatment strategies and notable updates impacting patient care.

In Today’s Newsletter

Dive deeper

🌍 CRF to launch Complex Coronary Summit in 2027 [1] [US • 16 Feb 2026]

https://cardiovascularnews.com/crf-to-launch-complex-coronary-summit-in-2027/
Context: CRF merges two interventional cardiology programs into one summit, aiming to advance complex coronary disease treatment.
Key point: The summit will debut in January 2027, focusing on complex coronary disease and complication management.
Implication: May drive innovation and clinician education in complex coronary care globally.

💊 PICCOLETO IV trial investigating SAPT after DCB-PCI in high-risk population launches [2] [EU • 16 Feb 2026]

https://cardiovascularnews.com/piccoleto-iv-trial-investigating-sapt-after-dcb-pci-in-high-risk-population-launches/
Context: Trial to evaluate SAPT after PCI with drug-coated balloons in elderly and high-bleeding risk populations.
Key point: The study will enroll 576 patients across 20 centers to assess ischaemic and bleeding events.
Implication: Potential shift in clinical practice for high-risk coronary patients, particularly elderly populations.

🤖 AI-based ECG technology may improve aortic stenosis mortality prediction [3] [US • 13 Feb 2026]

https://cardiovascularnews.com/ai-based-ecg-technology-may-improve-aortic-stenosis-mortality-prediction/
Context: AccurKardia’s AI-enabled ECG (AK-AVS) can detect aortic stenosis earlier than traditional methods.
Key point: The technology can predict clinical outcomes and potentially enable earlier interventions.
Implication: Could enhance screening and monitoring for aortic stenosis, leading to better patient outcomes.

🏀 GAMEFILM registry expands to include retired NBA and NHL athletes [4] [US • 13 Feb 2026]

https://cardiovascularnews.com/gamefilm-registry-expands-to-include-retired-nba-and-nhl-athletes/
Context: Heartflow’s registry now includes retired NBA and NHL athletes to study cardiovascular health in former athletes.
Key point: GAMEFILM registry aims to expand to 300 athletes and gather insights on cardiovascular risk factors.
Implication: Potential to improve preventative cardiovascular care for former professional athletes.

💉 PERTs improve outcomes but “magic formula” does not exist, LINC audience hears [5] [DE • 17 Feb 2026]

https://cardiovascularnews.com/perts-improve-outcomes-but-magic-formula-does-not-exist-linc-audience-hears/
Context: Sahil Parikh discussed the benefits and challenges of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERTs) at LINC 2026.
Key point: PERTs improve outcomes for PE patients but team structures and strategies must be tailored to each institution.
Implication: May lead to more widespread adoption of PERTs but with varying approaches across hospitals.

🫀 FDA Approval Of ENHANCE Heart Trial Reshapes TransMedics Growth Story [6] [US • 17 Feb 2026]

https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/healthcare/nasdaq-tmdx/transmedics-group/news/fda-approval-of-enhance-heart-trial-reshapes-transmedics-gro
Context: Full FDA approval for TransMedics’ OCS ENHANCE Heart trial advances its organ transplant technology.
Key point: Approval solidifies the company’s path for heart transplant innovations and market expansion.
Implication: May influence future heart transplant procedures and TransMedics’ market positioning.

🧠 Precision Antithrombotic Therapy After Stroke: Interpreting OCEANIC-STROKE Results [7] [US • 13 Feb 2026]

https://www.neurologylive.com/view/precision-antithrombotic-therapy-after-stroke-interpreting-oceanic-stroke-results
Context: OCEANIC-STROKE study shows that asundexian reduces stroke recurrence without increasing bleeding risk.
Key point: Asundexian’s efficacy in secondary stroke prevention presents a promising alternative to current therapies.
Implication: Could reshape secondary stroke prevention strategies if bleeding risk remains low in clinical practice.

💓 First AHA scientific statement on cardiac rehabilitation access for women [8] [US • 17 Feb 2026]

https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/first-aha-scientific-statement-on-cardiac-rehabilitation-access-for-women/mac-20595505
Context: AHA’s new statement calls for better access to cardiac rehab programs for women, addressing gender disparities.
Key point: Recommendations include automatic referral pathways, flexible program models, and culturally tailored support.
Implication: May enhance participation and improve outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease.

🧑‍⚕️ Cardiac MRI-based ML model predicts MACE risk for STEMI patients [9] [EU • 17 Feb 2026]

https://www.auntminnie.com/clinical-news/mri/article/15817433/cardiac-mribased-ml-model-predicts-mace-risk-for-stemi-patients
Context: New ML model integrating cardiac MRI data to predict long-term MACE risk in STEMI patients.
Key point: Model outperforms traditional risk models, offering improved prediction for adverse cardiovascular events.
Implication: May enhance risk stratification and personalized treatment plans for STEMI patients.

⚙️ Advanced Echo Techniques Comparable to CMRI in DMD [10] [EU • 12 Feb 2026]

https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/news/advanced-echo-techniques-comparable-cmri-cardiac-involvement-dmd/
Context: Advanced echocardiography techniques (RT-3DE and 3D-STE) show strong correlation with cardiac MRI in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Key point: These techniques may provide a non-invasive alternative to CMRI for monitoring cardiac involvement in DMD.
Implication: Could increase accessibility and ease of monitoring for DMD patients.

Why it matters

Secondary Stroke Prevention: Asundexian’s promising results may lead to a shift in treatment options for stroke patients, especially in high-risk populations.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: AHA’s focus on improving cardiac rehab access for women could reduce gender disparities in cardiovascular outcomes.
Personalized Care: New AI and imaging technologies enhance risk prediction and treatment personalization for conditions like STEMI and aortic stenosis.

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FAQ

When will the Complex Coronary Summit take place?

The summit will debut in January 2027, combining two key CRF events focused on complex coronary care.

What is the focus of the PICCOLETO IV trial?

The trial investigates SAPT after PCI with DCBs in elderly/high-risk patients, with a focus on reducing ischemic and bleeding events.

Entities / Keywords

CRF; Complex Coronary Summit; PCI; SAPT; DCB; AI ECG; aortic stenosis; GAMEFILM registry; retired athletes; PERT; pulmonary embolism; FDA approval; TransMedics; stroke prevention; OCEANIC-STROKE; Factor XIa; AHA; cardiac rehabilitation; STEMI; MACE; DMD; advanced echo techniques; CMRI.