News
Vaccination as a new form of cardiovascular prevention
A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement published in the European Heart Journal discusses the key role of vaccination in preventing cardiovascular events following various viral and bacterial infections. “We have known for many years that influenza can increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and can exacerbate heart failure,” said Professor Thomas F. Lüscher, ESC President and senior author of the ESC Clinical Consensus Statement. “More recently, evidence suggests that other respiratory infections are also associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The new publication describes how vaccinations not only
prevent infections but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly in susceptible individuals.” The ESC Clinical Consensus Statement describes data on the risk of cardiovascular complications following infections such as pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus, among others, and describes the inflammatory mechanisms that may be responsible. Evidence is then summarised for the beneficial effects of vaccines in reducing cardiovascular events following various viral and bacterial infections, particularly in at-risk patient groups. Clinical practice guidelines from the ESC and from the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/ American Heart Association (AHA) are presented, which advocate for vaccination against influenza and other widespread infections in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (including coronary artery disease) and in those with heart failure. Serious adverse reactions to vaccinations are
very rare. The consensus statement also discusses the risks of cardiovascular adverse events after vaccination, such as myocarditis, and describes appropriate management strategies. Then follows advice on which vaccines should be given to patients with cardiovascular diseases and how often. Vaccination of pregnant women and other vulnerable patient groups, such as those with congenital heart disease and heart transplantation, is considered. Visit:
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/ article-lookup/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf384
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EBME Expo highlights: innovation, new standards and thought leadership
At EBME Expo, the role of Authorising Engineer (Medical Devices) was announced - a strategic imperative that aims to enhance patient safety and organisational resilience within NHS Trusts. According to EBME Expo’s Chair, Prof. John
Sandham, the external validation provided by the AE (MD) role transcends a mere compliance check; it can be “profoundly innovative”. In an exclusive interview with CSJ’s editor, he likened the AE (MD) to a “critical friend” who can “give advice on how to improve.” The EBME Expo 2025 took place at the
Coventry Building Society Arena on 25–26 June, attracting 50% more delegate registrations in 2025 compared to the previous year. Prof. John Sandham discussed the highlights of the 2025 show, the new AE (MD) role, challenges around connectivity, and how procurement is changing. To view the video, visit:
https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=_7FVAX3P_OA&t=10s
UCL study shows Steriwave technology is effective against Mucor fungus
Ondine Biomedical has announced new data from University College London (UCL), demonstrating the potent efficacy of Ondine’s Steriwave photodisinfection technology against the often- lethal fungus Mucor. The findings were presented in an abstract at the 19th World Congress of the International Photodynamic Association (IPA) in Shanghai, China.
Dr. Colin Hopper and Dr. Aashvi Joshi of University College London, Eastman Dental Institute, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, London, stated: “Fungal infections, especially mucormycosis, are a serious threat in hospitals, with alarmingly high mortality rates and very few effective treatment options. The ability of Steriwave to rapidly and safely decolonise the nose of fungal pathogens represents a major advance in infection prevention, helping to protect patients from these life-threatening infections with
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I August 2025 affordable therapy.”
Mucor fungal infections, particularly mucormycosis, pose a serious risk to immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing bone marrow transplants, with mortality rates often exceeding 50%. Current therapies for mucormycosis are limited by high toxicity, incomplete efficacy, the need for aggressive surgery, frequent treatment failures, and persistently high mortality rates. These issues highlight the urgent
need for new and more effective treatment strategies for the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections. The research, conducted at UCL - where
photodisinfection was invented by Emeritus Professor Michael Wilson in the late 1980s - showed that Ondine’s Steriwave technology was able to completely inhibit the growth of all cells of Mucor in vitro, with very short treatment times. The results also demonstrated that Steriwave enhanced activity of other antifungals such as azoles, pointing the way to a combined topical and systemic approach to treatment of this invasive and deadly fungus. By providing effective nasal decolonisation of Mucor and other fungal pathogens, Steriwave photodisinfection offers a new approach to reduce patient risk and improve outcomes for those most vulnerable to invasive fungal disease.
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