Interventional Cardiology

This cardiac subspecialty uses minimally invasive, catheter-based technologies in a cath lab to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD). The main focus in on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to revascularize patients with CAD that is causing blockages resulting in ischemia or myocardial infarction. PCI mainly consists of angioplasty and implanting stents. Interventional cardiology has greatly expanded in scope over recent years to include a number of transcatheter structural heart interventions.

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls
The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.
Health disparities are causing serious harm, leading to 400 amputations per day
Interventional cardiologist Foluso Fakorede, MD, says everything from limited specialists to a lack of sidewalks are causing a disproportionate rate of minorities to be caught in the current PAD and CLI epidemic.
Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?
Researchers tracked data from more than 400,000 patients for a new meta-analysis, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE
The new device is believed to be the first of its kind, using both aspiration and mechanical clot disruption to remove blood clots.
SCAI president begins term on optimistic note: ‘Our field’s future is brighter than ever’
Interventional cardiologist James B. Hermiller, MD, officially assumed the position at the end of SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions.

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.

May 8, 2024

Faluso Fakorede, MD, interventional cardiologiost, explains how health disparities serve as a primary driver of 400 amputations a day because patients are not accessing healthcare.

Health disparities are causing serious harm, leading to 400 amputations per day

Interventional cardiologist Foluso Fakorede, MD, says everything from limited specialists to a lack of sidewalks are causing a disproportionate rate of minorities to be caught in the current PAD and CLI epidemic.

May 8, 2024

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?

Researchers tracked data from more than 400,000 patients for a new meta-analysis, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

May 6, 2024

Hēlo PE Thrombectomy System developed by U.S. medical device company Endovascular Engineering.

Dual-action thrombectomy device could give cardiologists a new tool for treating acute PE

The new device is believed to be the first of its kind, using both aspiration and mechanical clot disruption to remove blood clots.

May 6, 2024

Interventional cardiologist James B. Hermiller, MD, is officially the new president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) form 2024-2025. #SCAI #SCAI24 #SCAI2024.

SCAI president begins term on optimistic note: ‘Our field’s future is brighter than ever’

Interventional cardiologist James B. Hermiller, MD, officially assumed the position at the end of SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions.

May 6, 2024

The DurAVR TAVR system from Anteris Technologies. A new biomimetic transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system from Anteris Technologies could provide cardiologists with a new way to treat severe aortic stenosis (AS), according to new one-year data presented at SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions, the annual meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). The DurAVR TAVR system, made from a single piece of anti-calcification ADAPT tissue patented by Anteris.

New-look TAVR valve shows early promise in patients with severe AS

One-year data presented at SCAI's annual meeting suggest interventional cardiologists could soon have a new way to treat severe aortic stenosis.

May 3, 2024

ChatGPT passes interventional cardiology certification exam

The popular AI chatbot's performance highlighted both its strengths and its weaknesses. It can answer multiple-choice questions, for example, but it struggles with consistency.

May 3, 2024

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options.

May 3, 2024

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."