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.

TAVR JenaValve Trilogy Heart Valve System pure AR

Cardiologists make history, perform first-ever transcaval TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation

The 65-year-old male patient presented with a long medical history and many comorbidities, making surgery too risky.

April 18, 2024
2024 has been a banner year for structural heart treatments, especially those focused on the tricuspid valve. In February, for example, Edwards Lifesciences made history when its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system became the first device of its kind to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Two months later, Abbott’s TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system also gained FDA approval for the treatment of TR.

Q&A: Interventional cardiologist details key breakthroughs in tricuspid valve replacement and repair

How have recent FDA approvals for Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott changed patient care? Andrew Rassi, MD, answered that question—and many more—in a new interview. 

April 18, 2024
the words "FDA recall" on a board

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.  

April 17, 2024
Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow

New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates

Radiologists with Massachusetts General Hospital found that the selective use of cardiac CT and AI-based CAD evaluations could make a significant impact on patient care. 

April 16, 2024
Video of Gregg Stone, MD, explaining the late-breaking RELIEVE-HF trial he presented at ACC.24 this week. #ACC24 #ACC2024

Inter-atrial shunt in RELIEVE-HF improves symptoms in HFrEF, but not HFpEF

Gregg Stone, MD, explains the details of the late-breaking RELIEVE-HF trial at ACC.24, where an inter-atrial shunt improved symptoms in HFrEF, but not in HFpEF patients.

April 12, 2024
Simpsons Interventions, a California-based healthcare technology company, has received the FDA’s breakthrough device designation for its Acolyte Image Guided Crossing and Re-Entry Catheter System. SCAI released the list of its late-breaking clinical study trials at its 2022 annual meeting. #SCAI #SCAI22 #SCAI2022

FDA grants new imaging tool for CTO interventions its breakthrough device designation

The new device delivers real-time OCT visualization during revascularization procedures.

April 11, 2024
doctor examines patient data on their tablet

TAVR, SAVR both linked to low reintervention rates after five years

While most TAVR-related reinterventions occurred in the first year after treatment, most SAVR-related reinterventions occurred in years two through five. The team's full analysis is available in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

April 10, 2024
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ACC.24: New data suggest early PCI limits risks of vulnerable plaques—cardiologists are skeptical

The PREVENT study, presented at ACC.24, examined more than 1,600 patients with high-risk plaques treated with either preventive PCI or medical therapy alone. Outcomes were much better for the PCI group after two years, but the findings may lead to more questions than answers. 

April 9, 2024

Around the web

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

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."

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