Stroke remains a major complication and predictor of mortality following TAVR. A single center, randomized study of 100 patients has indicated that a cerebral protection device can reduce the frequency of ischaemic cerebral lesions as assessed by MRI. The use of the device was not associated with any adverse events.

The natural history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are uncertain. An Australian study has indicated ARF recurrence and progression to RHD are highest in the first year after the initial episode. The development of complications such as heart failure, AF, endocarditis, and stroke were highest in the first year after the diagnosis of RHD.

In an analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, FFR was used in 21,365 procedures in 2012, up 18-fold from the 1,173 done in 2008 when the FAME trial first showed better outcomes linked to FFR-guided coronary interventions.

The FDA approved the Amplia and Compia MRI Quad cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) SureScan devices for heart failure patients. Both devices are the first CRT-Ds approved that will be safe with subsequent MRI scanning throughout the body.