A study by ChristianaCare highlights the need for greater autonomy and recognition of how sterile processing department staffs contribute to patient safety. The study found that 43% of sterile processing professionals feel pressure to set aside sterilization protocols because of operational demands, leading to concerns about infection prevention. "You're not going to be able to meet any of your operational metrics in the OR without a successful SPD operation," said Kevin Bush, administrative director of perioperative administration at ChristianaCare. "Site infections, on-time starts [and] turnaround times all depend on it."

A nurse-led, device-driven intervention for certain patients with heart failure showed no significant impact on outcomes, according to a study. The intervention, which included remote monitoring and nurse-led management, was found to be safe but did not reduce hospitalizations or mortality rates. Research findings appeared in JACC.

The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the use of a monovalent XFG COVID-19 vaccine for the 2026-2027 season, with an 8-0 vote and one abstention. The decision followed a review of data from manufacturers showing strong neutralizing antibody responses against the dominant JN.1 family variants.

US health systems need to prepare for a potential Ebola outbreak as cases rise in Africa, says Dr. Bhakti Hansoti, director of Johns Hopkins University's Center for Global Emergency Care. Hansoti noted that the Bundibugyo variant has a higher mortality rate and that hospitals near international airports have readied treatment protocols. Frontline staff should be trained to recognize Ebola symptoms amid ongoing flu outbreaks to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure swift response, Hansoti said.

A study in Spanish mental health units found that strong therapeutic relationships between patients and nurses may improve patient experiences and reduce hospital stays. Patients who participated in a structured intervention called Reserved Therapeutic Space, which fosters uninterrupted communication and collaboration with nurses, reported fewer feelings of coercion and fear and were discharged earlier than those receiving standard care. The findings were reported in studies in the Journal of Clinical Nursing and the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing.

A single-shot nanosecond pulsed field ablation catheter featuring all-in-one mapping and ablation capability is safe and effective for patients who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a study in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found. The research showed that the catheter achieved 100% electrical pulmonary vein isolation with a low rate of serious adverse events.

The FDA has granted breakthrough device designation to Coredio's cardiac performance simulation engine, an AI-powered tool for assessing heart failure patients after hospital discharge. The software uses wearables and blood pressure cuffs to monitor hemodynamic parameters.

A cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicates that obesity is linked to conditions such as congestive heart failure and diabetes among adults 65 and older. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that hypertension is the most prevalent condition among older adults, affecting 74.5% of those with obesity and 59.7% of those without.

A study in the European Heart Journal linked certain food preservatives to higher risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from more than 112,000 participants and found that preservatives such as citric acid, sodium nitrite and potassium sorbate may be associated with increased risk. Researchers noted that further study is needed to explain any causative links.

Episodes of a racing heartbeat can be unsettling, yet many patients dismiss symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), especially when episodes are brief or intermittent. In recognition of SVT Awareness Day on June 3, ACC’s CardioSmart has developed new resources, including an infographic and handout, to help patients recognize common signs and symptoms, understand diagnostic and treatment options, and feel more confident discussing concerns with their care team. Download the new patient resources to support SVT awareness and education.

The Cardiovascular Business and Management Essentials Program, an exclusive partnership between MedAxiom and Wharton Online, is enrolling the next cohort for the fall 2026 session. With a strong focus on real-world application, participants will work on a challenge from their own organization and build toward a practical, ROI-driven action plan while engaging with Wharton faculty and MedAxiom experts on today’s most relevant leadership, operational and financial issues. Artificial intelligence and digital health concepts will also be woven into existing modules with a focus on operational, leadership and economic implications — grounded in cardiovascular realities. Learn more and enroll by Sept. 2!