Thoratec Corporation said wear and fatigue related to its implanted heart pump might require surgical replacement that could potentially be fatal.

The number of patients receiving defibrillators has declined, as more doctors and patients decide the risks and uncertainties the devices pose may outweigh their potential benefits.

The number of patients receiving defibrillators has declined, as more doctors and patients decide the risks and uncertainties the devices pose may outweigh their potential benefits.

The number of patients receiving defibrillators has declined, as more doctors and patients decide the risks and uncertainties the devices pose may outweigh their potential benefits.

Doctors continue to heavily prescribe the cholesterol drug Vytorin, though there is no proof that it helps prolong life or prevent heart attacks.

Doctors continue to heavily prescribe the cholesterol drug Vytorin, though six years after its approval there is still no proof that the drug helps patients live longer or avoid heart attacks.

Medtronic, the medical device maker, reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings, citing cost savings and strong overseas sales of its devices to treat heart conditions.

The company said it would resubmit its application for Multaq based on results from a study showing that the drug reduced both hospitalization and death in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Federal regulators have approved the sale of a new laser scanning system intended to locate fatty deposits in blood vessel walls that are thought to cause heart attacks.