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.

Heart surgeons alarmed by high number of young patients choosing TAVR over SAVR

Nearly 50% of patients under the age of 60 are now opting for TAVR over SAVR, according to a new study presented at STS 2024 in San Antonio. "We owe it to our patients to take a more prominent role in providing the highest quality evidence to help our patients make these major healthcare decisions," one researcher said. 

January 28, 2024
money business cash flow dollar. Kingsway Financial Services, a Chicago-based holding company with subsidiaries in several industries, has acquired New Jersey-based Digital Diagnostics Imaging (DDI) for $11 million. The transaction was funded with $5.4 million in cash and $5.6 million in debt financing.

FFR-guided PCI linked to significant cost savings

Researchers tracked data from more than 500 PCI patients, exploring the cost-effectiveness and safety of multiple treatment options. 

January 25, 2024
CroíValve DUO device tricuspid valve. The DUO Tricuspid Coaptation Valve System includes both a prosthetic coaptation valve that works in tandem with the patient’s native tricuspid valve and an anchor system designed to adjust and lock the position of the coaptation valve as needed. According to CroíValve, the device “combines repair and replacement to provide the right solution for the right heart.”

CroíValve kicks off early feasibility study for new TR device, names cardiologist Martin Leon to advisory board

The company hopes to enroll 15 patients to monitor the safety and effectiveness of its new-look transcatheter device for severe tricuspid regurgitation. 

January 25, 2024
Overview of the Tootsie Roll technique for treating paravalvular leak in certain transcatheter heart valve patients. Tootsie Roll paravalvular leak transcatheter heart valves.

New ‘Tootsie Roll’ technique could help cardiologists treat PVL in transcatheter heart valves

Paravalvular leak remains a significant problem after TAVR, SAVR and even TMVR. Could a new-look interventional technique help heart teams overcome this issue and improve patient outcomes? 

January 24, 2024
Medicare data stethoscope healthcare trends graphs finance financials

An updated look at combining LAAO with ablation, TAVR or other interventional heart procedures

Performing two procedures at once does not appear to make a significant impact on patient safety, though it may lead to a few new risks sure to interest heart teams. 

January 23, 2024
Pi-Cardia ShortCut TAVR device. According to Pi-Cardia, ShortCut is the first medical device of its kind; interventional cardiologists use it to split valve leaflets in patients who have been recommended for valve-in-valve TAVR and face a heightened coronary obstruction risk.

FDA grants new valve-in-valve TAVR offering its breakthrough device designation

The new device was designed to help clinicians perform valve-in-valve TAVR on certain high-risk patients. One cardiologist familiar with the technology said it could be easily added to any preexisting TAVR workflow. 

January 23, 2024
Samin Sharma, MD, director of interventional cardiology and director of clinical cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, discusses the first-in-human use of the Magenta Elevate percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) with a small 10 French size and 5.5 liters per minute of hemodynamic support.

Initial results promising for world's smallest percutaneous heart pump

A new 10 French percutaneous heart pump could help greatly reduce vascular complications and improve cardiogenic shock outcomes.

January 22, 2024
older patient with a doctor at their house

Valve-in-valve TAVR with Medtronic’s CoreValve devices still safe and effective after 5 years

Researchers tracked five-year data from more than 200 patients, sharing their findings in the American Journal of Cardiology.

January 22, 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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