Building and maintaining expertise in both open and endovascular surgical techniques will play an important role in training the next generation of surgeons in order to optimise outcomes in patients with aortic disease. This is among the messages to have emerged from the final day of CX Aortic Vienna 2021 (5–7 October, broadcast), in which speakers discussed training in aortic procedures, as well as the need for multidisciplinary teamwork between the cardiac and vascular surgery specialties.

n a session on “Reduction of radiation challenges” at CX Aortic Vienna 2021 (5–7 October, broadcast), experts highlighted new technologies with the potential to make aortic surgical procedures simpler and shorter, thereby reducing radiation exposure to patients and care teams. A presentation by Tom Carrell (Barrington, UK) on intelligent maps for surgery and an edited case by Tilo Kölbel (Hamburg, Germany) were among the programme highlights to emphasise this key message, while a Philips-sponsored satellite symposium saw early users of Philips’ Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) speak about their key experiences with this developing technology.

ReCor Medical has announced that its Paradise ultrasound renal denervation system is now available for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in Germany. The first hospitals performing the procedure commercially are Heart Center Leipzig, Leipzig and Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar.

Results of a poll conducted at CX Aortic Vienna 2021 (5–7 October, broadcast) indicated that open procedures have their place in treating the hostile anatomy of the aortic arch, with 100% of voters expressing the opinion that the open elephant trunk technique should still be taught. This followed a series of presentations and edited cases on the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique.

A worldwide committee of 40 cross-specialty medical experts achieved the first-ever consensus for the appropriate use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in peripheral vascular disease (PVD) interventions.

NeoChord has announced successful completion of the first-in-human procedure with the NeoChord NeXuS transcatheter mitral chordal repair (TMVr) technology. The first-in-human procedure was performed at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France in collaboration with the Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany. The patient treated has been discharged from the hospital and is back to a normal lifestyle.

Royal Philips and Lankenau Heart Institute part of Main Line Health (Wynnewood, USA) have announced they have entered a five-year strategic partnership focused on integrated cardiovascular solutions.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed healthcare providers of recent information about the potential for differences in procedural outcomes between women and men undergoing implant of a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device.

Foldax has announced completion of enrolment in the US early feasibility study of the Tria surgical aortic heart valve. According to Foldax, the Tria valve reimagines the heart valve by combining the company’s proprietary biopolymer—LifePolymer—with an innovative valve design intended to resist calcification, withstand stresses and strains without failure, and restore patient quality of life without lifelong use of anticoagulants.

Open Stent Solution (OSS) has announced the closing of a €2.5 million Seed financing round. The funding will support the development of its ribbon-shaped stented mitral valve for transcatheter replacement.

Neovasc has announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the investigational device exemption (IDE) regarding the COSIRA-II IDE clinical trial.

Abbott has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s Epic Plus and Epic Plus Supra Stented Tissue Valves for aortic or mitral valve disease.