In Two Recent Trials, Devices Trump Rx

Results of two recent studies reported at this year's American Heart Association meeting favor devices over therapeutics in treating certain cardiovascular conditions. The PRESTO trial results were the equivalent of a dodged bullet for stent companies; it showed no benefit from the drug Tranilast, a result which leaves intact the supposition that drug-eluting stents are the best restenosis treatment. And another major trial found that implantable LVADs have superior results in treatment patients with chronic end-stage heart failure.