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.

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
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 AFib guidelines include higher recommendations for catheter ablation, LAAO

Cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons and patient representatives all worked together on the updated guidelines, which were published in both the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation.

December 1, 2023
The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

First US patient treated with Medtronic’s FDA-approved renal denervation system

Interventional cardiologist David Kandzari, MD, performed the procedure just days after the device received full FDA approval. 

November 30, 2023
business news announcement

Johnson & Johnson acquires medical device company behind new LAA technology for $400M

The deal could also include additional clinical and regulatory milestone payments in the years ahead.

November 30, 2023
Cardiawave Valvosoft non-invasive ultrasound therapy

Cardiawave’s non-invasive ultrasound therapy impresses cardiologists early on—could it be an alternative to SAVR, TAVR?

While TAVR and SAVR are reliable treatments for calcific aortic stenosis, some patients are not considered for those procedures due to severe comorbidities or a limited life expectancy. This is where the investigational Valvosoft device from Cardiawave enters the equation.

November 28, 2023
Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation

FDA approves another renal denervation system for hypertension

This is the second time in a matter of weeks the FDA has approved an RDN system for uncontrolled hypertension. The SCAI issued a statement about this trend, calling it a “game-changer for both interventional cardiology and the treatment of hypertension."

November 20, 2023

TAVR linked to favorable outcomes for asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients—but is it necessary?

While TAVR is safe for minimally symptomatic patients, questions remain about whether or not it is actually needed. A new analysis in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions examines this topic in detail.

November 15, 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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