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.

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.

New drugs, updated treatment strategies: 5 important trends in cardiology from an eventful 2023

Revisit some of the year's biggest trends in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

December 20, 2023
Ziad Ali, MD, explaines the impact of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) use in nodular and eccentric calcium morphologies at TCT 2023. IVL was found to produce better outcomes than atherectomy or high pressure balloons. #TCT #TCT2023 #TCT23 #IVL

IVL is safe and effective across all calcium morphologies, new research confirms

Ziad Ali, MD, detailed two studies he presented on coronary intravascular lithotripsy at TCT 2023 in San Francisco.

December 19, 2023
Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Hybrid coronary revascularization vs. CABG for multivessel CAD: New meta-analysis tracks long-term outcomes

A hybrid approach may increase the risk of certain adverse events, according to a new meta-analysis focused on long-term outcomes. 

December 18, 2023
doctor in handcuffs after being arrested

Cardiologist charged with fraud for allegedly altering patient records, billing for unnecessary procedures

The doctor allegedly targeted some patients more than ten times, treating them again and again with procedures that were not medically necessary. 

December 15, 2023
Medtronic Evolut FX TAVR valve

‘A huge victory for patient care’: Next-gen TAVR valve helps cardiologists target more patients

Sponsored by Medtronic

“The Evolut FX system is an improvement over previous Evolut system devices and it delivers better overall results to our patients,” says interventional cardiologist Guilherme Attizzani, MD. “It is an ideal solution for a majority of our patients.”

December 12, 2023
business launch

Venture capital firm raises $90M, launches new AFib ablation company

According to Ajax Health CEO and industry veteran Duke Rohlen, the new company will be focused on offerings that "prioritize precision, simplicity and efficiency."

December 8, 2023
insurance

Cardiologists lead push for Aetna to reconsider ‘restrictive,’ ‘inconsistent’ reimbursement proposals

The policies cover a wide range of interventional therapies, including Shockwave Medical's IVL technology and intravascular ultrasound. 

December 6, 2023
SavvyWire OpSens TAVR guidewire owned by Haemonetics. the SavvyWire guidewire, a sensor-guided device developed by OpSens Medical, a Canadian medical device company. According to OpSens, the SavvyWire is the first interventional device of its kind. It provides assistance with aortic valve delivery and positioning, like any guidewire, but it also includes sensors that enable continuous hemodynamic measurements and rapid LV pacing.

New 3-in-1 TAVR guidewire capable of hemodynamic measurements, LV pacing impresses cardiologists

The company behind the new technology was recently acquired for approximately $253 million. 

December 5, 2023

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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